Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB592

Introduced
1/16/23  
Refer
1/16/23  

Caption

U.S. Highway 49/49E/49W; designate segment from Hinds County to Coahoma County as an historic memorial blues highway.

Impact

If enacted, HB592 would establish an official recognition of the blues heritage along this corridor, with the potential to enhance local economies through increased tourism. The bill mandates that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) maintain the highway segment suitably for an historic highway, which could improve infrastructure over the designated route. Furthermore, MDOT could enter into interlocal agreements with counties along the highway, fostering cooperation between state and local governments for the upkeep and promotion of the area designated as a historic site.

Summary

House Bill 592 seeks to designate a segment of U.S. Highway 49/49E/49W as an historic memorial blues highway, stretching from the corporate limits of Jackson, Mississippi to its intersection with U.S. Highway 61 in Clarksdale, Coahoma County. This designation not only highlights the cultural significance of the highway in relation to blues history but also serves to promote tourism and appreciation of Mississippi's rich musical heritage. The bill stipulates that local municipalities and counties alongside the highway must collaborate with the Mississippi Blues Commission to identify and designate historical sites and events along the route, creating an organized tour for visitors.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise regarding the funding and resources allocated for the maintenance and promotion of the historic highway. Questions may be raised about the financial implications for local governments, especially in terms of their ability to meet the requirements for historical site designations and upkeep. Critics might argue that the bill could place additional burdens on municipalities if not accompanied by state support or funding to facilitate the promotional activities associated with such a designation. Additionally, there may be discussions around the adequacy of the proposed cooperation with the Mississippi Blues Commission and the effectiveness in preserving and promoting the heritage of the blues in Mississippi.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB992

U.S. Highway 49/49E; designate segment from Hinds County to Coahoma County as an historic memorial blues highway.

MS SB2009

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2154

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2003

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2012

State highway system; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in.

MS HB1008

Highways; revise Mississippi Highway 615 in Harrison County.

MS SB2493

State highway system; revise designation for Mississippi Highway 615 in Harrison County.

MS SB2002

Memorial highways; designate segments of highways to Bradford C. Freeman and Douglas Anderson.

MS SB2634

Memorial highways; designate segments in Bolivar County and Jones County as in honor individuals.

MS HB1681

Memorial Highways; designate segment MS Hwy 513 in Clarke County as "Lance Corporal Mac Hamburg, MSMC, Memorial Highway."

Similar Bills

MS SB2009

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2154

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2003

Highways; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in the state highway system.

MS SB2012

State highway system; include Old State Highways 6 and 9 in Pontotoc County in.

MS HB1008

Highways; revise Mississippi Highway 615 in Harrison County.

MS SB2493

State highway system; revise designation for Mississippi Highway 615 in Harrison County.

MS SB2715

Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science; relocate to the campus of Mississippi State University.

MS HB1131

2024 Local Improvements Project Fund; clarify and correct names and purposes of certain.