MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Transportation

By: Representative Dedeaux

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE MISSISSIPPI TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, IN COOPERATION WITH THE STATE FORESTRY COMMISSION, SHALL CUT, REMOVE AND SELL CERTAIN TIMBER ALONG THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY 49 BEGINNING AT OR NEAR HATTIESBURG AND EXTENDING SOUTHERLY TO U.S. HIGHWAY 90; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE SHALL BE DEPOSITED INTO A SPECIAL FUND THAT IS CREATED IN THE STATE TREASURY AND EXPENDED BY THE STATE FORESTRY COMMISSION FOR THE PURCHASE OF FORESTRY EQUIPMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The Mississippi Transportation Commission, in cooperation with the State Forestry Commission, shall cut, remove and sell all timber within the median and for a safe distance along the right-of-way of U.S. Highway 49 beginning at or near Hattiesburg and extending southerly to U.S. Highway 90 with the exception of the large oak trees along U.S. Highway 49 near and in the vicinity of the community of Howison in northern Harrison County.

(2) The timber described in subsection (1) of this section shall be sold or disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 65-1-123; however, any proceeds from the sale shall be deposited into a special fund that is created in the State Treasury. Monies in the special fund may be expended by the State Forestry Commission, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the purchase of forestry equipment.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.