MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Local and Private

By: Senator(s) Blackmon

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, TO GRANT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF YAZOO COUNTY CERTAIN POWER RELATING TO SUCH PROJECT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest and of benefit to the citizens of Yazoo County, Mississippi, and the surrounding region 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 the preservation of fishing, recreational opportunities and natural resources in the area.

SECTION 2. (1) As used in this section "project" means 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, Mississippi.

(2) The Board of Supervisors of Yazoo County, Mississippi, is hereby authorized and empowered:

(a) 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.

(b) To 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 the project.

(c) To enter into a project cooperation agreement with the Department of the Army and serve as a nonfederal sponsor for the project.

(d) To apply for, accept as a gift or receive through interagency agreement or interlocal cooperation such funds, technical assistance, in-kind assistance, real estate or leasehold interests as may be necessary and appropriate for the project.

(e) To acquire in the county's name 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, but not limited to, all those required for utility relocations, borrow materials and dredged or excavated material disposal.

(f) To operate, maintain, repair, replace and rehabilitate the structures included in the project upon its completion.

(g) To perform all relocation assistance 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 property acquired for the project.

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