Bill > HB966

This bill extends the Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure (MCWI) Grant Program, which provides grants to municipalities, counties, and certain public utilities to invest in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Specifically, the bill amends the existing law by extending the date of the repealer on the Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) exemption from Public Procurement Review Board requirements from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2029. The MCWI Grant Program allows eligible entities to apply for reimbursable grants on a matching basis, with special provisions for smaller municipalities. The program focuses on various water infrastructure projects, including drinking water improvements, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and lead remediation. The bill maintains the program's emphasis on addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged communities and requires careful tracking and reporting of grant applications, awards, and project progress. The grants will be available through December 31, 2026, or the federal government's fund expenditure deadline, whichever is later. The DEQ can retain up to 5% of total program funds for administrative costs and will continue to have discretion in awarding grants based on a comprehensive ranking system.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0966.xml