Mississippi House Bill HB1691

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Bonds; authorize issuance to assist Jackson Municipal Airport Authority with construction of an emergency access road at Hawkins Field.

Impact

The bill sets a limit on the total amount of bonds that can be issued to $2.5 million, and stipulates that the funds from these bonds will be utilized specifically for costs associated with the construction project. The establishment of a special fund for this purpose ensures that the financial resources dedicated to this project are well-managed and separated from the state’s general revenue. Furthermore, any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the state’s general fund, providing a safeguard for ongoing project funding.

Summary

House Bill 1691 is a legislative proposal seeking to authorize the issuance of state general obligation bonds. The primary goal of this bill is to provide funding that will assist the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority in the construction and development of an emergency access road connecting Hawkins Field with Fire Station 20 in Jackson, Mississippi. This infrastructure enhancement is seen as critical for improving response times and ensuring safety in emergencies at the airport.

Contention

While the bill is designed to bolster local infrastructure, it may face scrutiny regarding its financial implications on the state's budget and the long-term sustainability of leveraging general obligation bonds. There could be debates over prioritizing funds for this specific project amidst other urgent state needs. Stakeholders might express differing views on whether such public funding for airport infrastructure aligns with economic development goals against the backdrop of governmental budget constraints.