House Bill 1662

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF RIPLEY, MISSISSIPPI, TO EXPAND ITS WATER DISTRIBUTION THROUGHOUT TIPPAH COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, EXCLUDING ALL OTHER CERTIFIED AREAS OTHER THAN THE CITY OF RIPLEY, MISSISSIPPI; 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 Ripley, Mississippi, may, in their discretion, construct, expand, operate and maintain its water distribution system throughout Tippah County excluding all other certified areas other than the City of Ripley. Whenever such services are furnished to any customer residing outside the corporate limits of the City of Ripley, 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 Ripley.

(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 of obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission to regulate rates or any other provisions of that law.

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