MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CREATING A JOINT STUDY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN MISSISSIPPI AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE FUNDING NEEDS OF THE 87 HIGHWAY PROGRAM AND GENERAL PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; TO DIRECT THE JOINT COMMITTEE TO MAKE A WRITTEN REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2000; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Transportation Commission is charged with developing and operating a safe intermodal transportation network for the enhancement of the economic development for the citizens of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Transportation Commission has requested the Legislature to establish a study committee to review the available funding for the completion of the 87 Highway Program; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Transportation Commission has requested the study committee to become informed about the state's pressing needs for pavement rehabilitation on the state's highway system:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That a Special Joint Study and Oversight Committee is created to Review the Transportation System in Mississippi and make recommendations concerning the Funding Needs of the 87 Highway Program and General Pavement Rehabilitation. The joint committee shall be composed of the members of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, the Chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee, the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, three (3) Senators from each of the three (3) named Senate committees to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, three (3) Representatives from each of the three (3) named House committees to be appointed by the Speaker of the House and the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Within fifteen (15) days after sine die adjournment of the 2000 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker shall appoint the members of the committee. After the members are appointed, the joint committee shall meet on a date designated by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation in Jackson, Mississippi, to select a chairman, organize the committee and establish rules for transacting its business and keeping records. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members shall be required in the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports. All members of the joint committee shall be notified in writing of all regular and special meetings of the committee, which notices shall be mailed at least five (5) days before the dates of the meetings.

The joint committee may establish any subcommittees that it deems desirable to study and report to the committee with respect to any matter that is within the scope of this resolution.

The joint committee shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations, and shall mail copies of the report to each member of the Legislature not later than December 1, 2000. In carrying out the provisions of this resolution, the joint committee may utilize the services, facilities and personnel of all departments, agencies, offices and institutions of the state, including the state universities and the community and junior colleges. In particular, the joint committee shall consult with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and the Mississippi

Department of Transportation shall cooperate with the committee and provide the committee with any information and other assistance requested by the committee. The joint committee may consult and seek advice from various groups in the state in order to understand the effect of any existing laws or any changes in law being considered by the committee.

For attending meetings of the joint committee, each legislative member shall be paid per diem compensation in the amount authorized by Section 25-3-69 and a mileage allowance and an expense allowance in the amount authorized by Section 5-1-47, to be paid from the contingent expense fund of the member's respective house. Nonlegislative members shall not receive per diem compensation but shall be entitled to expense reimbursement for any necessary travel. However, no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid for attending meetings of the joint committee while the Legislature is in session, and no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid without prior approval of the proper committee in the member's respective house.