MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Appropriations

By: Representatives Middleton, Bozeman

AN ACT MAKING AN ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECURING AND PROTECTING THE HISTORIC SHAIFER HOUSE ON THE PORT GIBSON BATTLEFIELD, AND TO SUBSTANTIALLY REHABILITATE AND RESTORE THE HISTORIC SHAIFER HOUSE, FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 1999 AND 2000.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. In addition to all other sums previously appropriated, the following sum or so much of it as may be necessary, is appropriated out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, to the Department of Archives and History for the period beginning upon the passage of this act and ending June 30, 2000 $900,000.00.

SECTION 2. This additional appropriation is made for the purpose of providing funds to implement emergency measures to secure and protect the historic Shaifer House on the Port Gibson Battlefield. In addition, these funds will be used to substantially rehabilitate and restore the Shaifer House. The preservation and interpretation of the Shaifer House on the Port Gibson Battlefield will represent the state's first step in the development of the Vicksburg Campaign Trail, which has been identified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places. The preservation and development of the state's Civil War battlefields will help promote heritage tourism in Mississippi and thereby contribute to the state's economic development.

SECTION 3. The money appropriated by this act shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or officers in the manner provided by law.

SECTION 4. The Department of Archives and History, in its discretion, may transfer all or part of the funds appropriated by this act to the Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management for the completion of this project.

SECTION 5. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.