Mississippi House Bill HB1358

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 2/22/23

Caption

Bonds; authorize issuance to assist City of Jackson with construction of a parking lot for the Jackson Convention Center.

Impact

This legislation establishes a special fund within the State Treasury dedicated to the parking project, ensuring that any unexpended amounts will not lapse into the State General Fund. It also allows the Department of Finance and Administration the discretion to determine how the funds are disbursed for the construction needs. By enabling this funding mechanism, the bill seeks to boost local economic activity through improved facilities that can accommodate more events and visitors, thereby supporting the city’s growth.

Summary

House Bill 1358 aims to authorize the issuance of state general obligation bonds to assist the City of Jackson, Mississippi, in funding the construction of a parking lot and related facilities for the Jackson Convention Center. This bill specifies that the total amount of bonds issued cannot exceed two million dollars. The funds will be managed by the State Bond Commission, ensuring they are utilized effectively for the designated purpose of enhancing infrastructure for the convention center.

Contention

While the bill has provisions that ensure the funds are allocated specifically for the intended project, there might be concerns regarding the long-term implications of public debt. Critics may debate whether such financing mechanisms should be utilized for local projects or if they should focus on broader state-wide initiatives. Additionally, the issue of prioritizing infrastructure projects in Jackson compared to other areas may also arise during discussions regarding the bill, reflecting potential regional disparities in state funding.