Mississippi House Bill HB1292

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

ARPA Rural Water Associations Infrastructure Grant Program; clarify that certain entities are eligible to participate in.

Impact

This legislation allows the State Department of Health to establish a structured system for providing grants to rural water associations, including entities that may not have been previously recognized as eligible. The program will be financed through appropriations from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, with stipulations that a significant portion of funds be directed toward projects that are ready for construction, promoting proactive development in rural areas. By setting a maximum grant amount of $2.5 million and outlining administrative processes, the bill aims to optimize fund allocation and ensure effective implementation.

Summary

House Bill 1292 amends Section 41-3-16.1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically addressing the ARPA Rural Water Associations Infrastructure Grant Program. The purpose of this bill is to clarify eligibility criteria for entities seeking to participate in the grant program designed to assist rural water associations with funding for drinking water infrastructure projects as outlined in federal guidelines established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This bill is a response to the urgent need for investment in rural water infrastructure, which has been a consistent concern in public health discussions.

Contention

Key considerations surrounding HB 1292 include its potential impact on various communities, particularly in terms of addressing environmental justice and economic development. The ranking system for grant applications includes factors such as environmental impact and benefits to disadvantaged communities, which may lead to debates regarding fairness and the prioritization of projects. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill does not do enough to ensure that marginalized communities are engaged in the grant application process or adequately considered in the funding decisions.