Bill > HB1898

This bill authorizes the Pat Harrison Waterway District to spend up to $9,336,274.00 from its special funds for operational expenses during the fiscal year from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The bill also specifies that the district is authorized to have 38 permanent employees and no time-limited employees, and that any funds used for salaries cannot replace federal or other special funds that are no longer available. The Pat Harrison Waterway District is required to maintain detailed accounting and personnel records, submit budget requests in a comparable format to previous years, and give preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing commodities or equipment. Additionally, a portion of the funds, $700,000, is designated for park facilities repairs, specifically bath houses and cabins, but not for Flint Creek Horse Trail repairs, and $480,000 is allocated for dam repairs. The district must provide reports on completed park facility repairs, including photos, to the Legislature and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, as well as an annual five-year plan for projects and an annual audit of its operations. The bill also emphasizes that expenditures must comply with state law, and no agency should incur debt exceeding its appropriation, with responsible officers being held accountable. Funds are to be disbursed via bank checks, and the act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1898.xml