Mississippi Senate Bill SB2457

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Repair Our Infrastructure (ROI) Act; enact.

Impact

The ROI Act outlines explicit formulas for distributing funds. Half of the appropriated funds will be allocated to municipalities based on a prescribed distribution formula, with elected officials encouraging equitable funding across communities. The other half is designated for counties, ensuring that local entities can directly address their infrastructure needs. This program is dictated by the intent that local governments are best positioned to understand and respond to the infrastructure needs of their communities, potentially leading to improved public works and safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 2457, known as the 'Repair Our Infrastructure (ROI) Act', aims to establish a program within the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration to distribute infrastructure funds to municipalities and counties across the state. The objective of the bill is to ensure that these funds are utilized specifically for the repair and maintenance of roads, streets, bridges, and various types of infrastructure such as water and stormwater systems. This initiative underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure to the health of Mississippi's economy and overall public welfare.

Contention

A notable point of discussion surrounding SB2457 is the reliance on local assessments of infrastructure needs, which some might argue can lead to unequal distribution of funds depending on the socioeconomic status of different areas. Additionally, the effectiveness of the Department of Audit in overseeing the distribution and utilization of these funds may also come under scrutiny, with concerns about transparency and accountability in public spending. Critics may advocate for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that funds are not only allocated efficiently but also that they truly meet the infrastructure demands of the communities they are intended to serve.