MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Ports and Marine Resources; Finance

By: Senator(s) Hewes, Farris

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE PORT AT GULFPORT, TO CONDUCT A STUDY REGARDING THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PURCHASE BY THE STATE OF THE EXISTING RAIL LINE EXTENDING FROM THE STATE PORT AT GULFPORT TO THE CITY OF HATTIESBURG; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The Mississippi Development Authority, in conjunction with the State Port at Gulfport, shall conduct a study regarding the feasibility of the purchase by the state of the existing rail line extending from the State Port at Gulfport to the City of Hattiesburg. The study shall examine all aspects of such a purchase, including, but not limited to, the cost-benefit of such a purchase, the condition of the rail line and any needed repairs or upgrades, the cost of the purchase and the method of financing the purchase and any necessary repairs or upgrades.

(2) (a) There is hereby created an oversight committee to be composed of the Chairmen of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee, the Senate Ports and Marine Resources Committee, the House of Representatives Transportation Committee and the House of Representatives Local and Private Legislation Committee, and the Vice Chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee and the House of Representatives Transportation Committee.

(b) The Mississippi Development Authority and the State Port at Gulfport shall meet regularly with the oversight committee and brief them on the progress of the study.

(3) The Mississippi Development Authority shall file the results of the feasibility study along with any recommendations regarding the purchase of the rail line with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives by not later than October 30, 2001.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.