MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Local and Private Legislation; Conservation and Water Resources

By: Representatives Barbour, Blackmon, Clark, Smith (27th), Straughter

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF YAZOO COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, TO CONSTRUCT A DAM OR LOW-WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE AT THE OUTLET OF LAKE GEORGE INTO THE SUNFLOWER RIVER IN YAZOO COUNTY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. It is determined and declared for the benefit of the citizens of Yazoo County, Mississippi, and the surrounding area to construct a dam or other low-water control structure and appurtenances at the outlet of Lake George into the Sunflower River in Yazoo County in order to enhance development, conservation and preservation of fishing, recreational opportunities and natural resources in this area.

SECTION 2. (1) The Board of Supervisors of Yazoo County, Mississippi, may construct a dam or other low-water control structure and appurtenances and may request and obtain necessary assistance and input from, and coordinate the activities of, state and federal agencies and landowners for the purpose of carrying out and implementing necessary planning, permitting and funding requirements for the construction of a dam or other low-water control structure and appurtenances at the outlet of Lake George into the Sunflower River in Yazoo County.

(2) The authority provided by this act shall include authorization to enter into a project cooperation agreement with the Department of the Army and serve as a nonfederal sponsor for the project and authorization to apply for, accept as a gift, or receive through interagency agreement or interlocal cooperation funds, technical assistance, in-kind assistance, real estate or leasehold interests as may be necessary and appropriate to construct the dam or other low-water control structure and appurtenances. The Board of Supervisors of Yazoo County, Mississippi, may acquire in its name through direct purchase or eminent domain procedures and make available to the Department of the Army all lands, easements and rights-of-way required for the construction, implementation, operation and maintenance of the project, including those required for any and all utility relocations, borrow materials and dredged or excavated material disposal.

(3) The board, after the construction of such a dam or other low-water control structure and appurtenances is complete, may operate, maintain, repair, replace or rehabilitate structures as necessary.

(4) The Board of Supervisors of Yazoo County, Mississippi, shall perform all relocation assistance as required under the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policy Act of 1970, Public Law 91-646, as amended by Title IV of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-17) for all tracts acquired for the project by direct purchase or through eminent domain actions.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.