MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Game and Fish

By: Representative Ford

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 57-61-32, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FUNDS TO DEFRAY COSTS OF THE STATE'S SHARE IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI FISH HATCHERY AND LOWER EAST PEARL RIVER WATER DIVERSION PROJECT; TO EXTEND THE REPEALER FROM DECEMBER 31, 2000, TO DECEMBER 31, 2001; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 57-61-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

57-61-32. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall certify to the department the amount of money necessary to defray the cost of the state's share in constructing the North Mississippi fish hatchery, which amount shall not be more than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00); and the department shall, if funds have not otherwise been made available, provide a grant for such amount out of the proceeds of bonds issued under this chapter. Of the funds provided hereunder, any amounts not expended on the fish hatchery shall be remitted to the department for deposit into the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund.

The private match requirements of Section 57-61-9(2)(d), Mississippi Code of 1972, shall not apply to any loan or grant made under this section.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall certify to the department the amount of money necessary to defray the costs of the state's share in constructing the water diversion project on the lower East Pearl River, beginning at the Wilson Slough Breakout down through the Farrs Slough and Holmes Bayou to the Hobolochitto Creek, which amount shall not be more than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00); and if the United States Army Corps of Engineers receives approval for the construction of such project, and if the United States has committed funding for the project, then the department shall provide a grant for such amount out of the proceeds of bonds issued under this chapter. Of the funds provided in this subsection, any amounts not expended on the project described herein shall be remitted to the department for deposit into the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund. The provisions of this subsection (2) shall stand repealed from and after December 31, 2001.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.