House Bill 1735

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, TO EXPAND ITS WATER SYSTEM WITHIN A CERTAIN DISTANCE OUTSIDE THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF OXFORD TO PROVIDE SERVICES SOLELY TO THE PUNKIN WATER ASSOCIATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Notwithstanding any provisions of Section 21-27-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, to the contrary, the governing authorities of the City of Oxford, Mississippi, may, in their discretion, construct, expand, operate and maintain its water system for a distance not to exceed eight (8) miles from the corporate limits of the City of Oxford. Such distance is authorized for the City of Oxford to provide water services solely to the Punkin Water Association. Whenever such services are furnished to any customer residing outside the corporate limits of the City of Oxford, the consumer may not be charged at a rate greater than twice the rate charged for the same service within the corporate limits of the City of Oxford.

(2) The authority conferred by this act shall not be construed as an exemption from the provisions of Section 77-3-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, as to the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission to regulate rates or any other provision of that law.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.