MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Public Property

By: Senator(s) Smith

AN ACT TO CREATE THE METRO RECREATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONSIST OF THE MAYORS OF THE CITIES OF PEARL, FLOWOOD, RICHLAND AND JACKSON, OR THEIR DESIGNEES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL STUDY THE PORTIONS OF THE PEARL RIVER LEVEE SYSTEM LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF PEARL, FLOWOOD, RICHLAND AND JACKSON TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY AND DESIRABILITY OF UTILIZING THE EXISTING LEVEE SYSTEM AS A LOCATION FOR A SYSTEM OF PUBLIC ROADS AND DEVELOPING RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OF PUBLICLY OWNED LANDS BETWEEN THE LEVEES LOCATED WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL LIMITS OF SUCH MUNICIPALITIES; TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE AUTHORITY DETERMINES THAT EITHER OF SUCH USES ARE FEASIBLE AND DESIRABLE IT SHALL DEVELOP A PLAN TO IMPLEMENT SUCH USES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) There is hereby created the Metro Recreational Highway Authority (Authority). The membership of the Authority shall consist of the mayors of the Cities of Pearl, Flowood, Richland and Jackson, or their designee. The first meeting of the Authority shall be held by the Authority within sixty (60) days after the passage of this act at a time and place agreed upon by the members of the Authority. At such meeting the Authority shall select from among its membership a chairman and such other officers as it considers necessary to conduct its business. Any final action of the Authority shall require a unanimous vote of its membership.

(2) The Authority shall study the Pearl River levee system located within the municipal limits of the Cities of Pearl, Flowood, Richland and Jackson and the publicly owned land between such levees to determine the feasibility and desirability of:

(a) Utilizing the existing levee system as a location for a system of public roads; and

(b) Developing recreational opportunities on publicly owned lands between the levees that are located within the municipal limits of such municipalities.

(3) If the Authority determines that either of such uses are feasible and desirable it shall develop a plan to implement such uses.

(4) The Authority is authorized to call upon any and all agencies of the State of Mississippi, or any political subdivision thereof, to furnish such information, data and assistance as will enable it to carry out its duties under the provisions of this section and all agencies of the State of Mississippi and its political subdivisions are hereby directed to cooperate with the Authority and render such information, data aid and assistance as may be requested by the Authority.

(5) The Authority shall have the power to enlist the services of any agency, either public or private, or any individual or educational institution, research organization, foundation, or educational or civic organization for assistance in accomplishing the purposes of this act, conducting research or gathering information.

(6) The Authority is authorized and empowered to receive and expend any funds appropriated to it by the Legislature and any funds received from any other source in carrying out the objectives and purposes of this act.

(7) The Authority shall utilize employees of the Cities of Pearl, Flowood, Richland and Jackson to assist it in performing its duties.

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