DO YOU BELIEVE THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE IS RUNNING A POLITICAL SCAM
HOW OUR MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURES ARE (legally) LAUNDERING MONEY
WRANPS Wildlife Rehabilitation and
Preservation Society, Inc. 25,000.00
STEVEN A. McCALEB
103 ALVERADO DRIVE
LONG BEACH, MISSISSIPPI 39560
PHONE & FAX: (228)-868-8428
E-MAIL: mccaleb4thdist@aol.com or mccaleb4thdist@aol.com
WEB SITE: www.mississippiwebsite.com
THE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION &
NATURE PRESERVATION SOCIETY, INC.
A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP SUPPORTED BY MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURES,
DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES, WLOX, THE SUN HERALD NEWSPAPER,
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI AND OTHERS.
But remember WRANPS is a closed society located on USM land, sounds like corruption doesn't it.
www.wranps.org
WRANPS: Wildlife Rehabilitation and
Preservation Society, Inc. 25,000.00
http://www.mississippiwebsite.com/newusmpresident.htm
http://www.mississippiwebsite.com/deptmarinerec.htm
Fraud, Waste, & Abuse
Let me
see if I believe I have this right, first the Secretary of State, Eric Clark,
which is the overseer of the Public Trust Tidelands Funds.
Mr.
Clark allows, but according to Mr. Charles Bearman, (Jackson, Ms.) is not
responsible when the Department of Marine Resources (Biloxi, Ms.) gives
$25,000.00 to the Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Preservation Society,
Inc.
Which is located in the woods in Pass Christian, Mississippi ( www.wranps.org ) on land owned by the Universality of Southern (Mississippsfthames@msn.com). President Shelby Thames
But USM has said it has nothing to do with WRANPS, but then again USM is the worst university in the state of Mississippi. (education 50th out of 50 states)
But to show that it's legal to give $25,000.00 to WRANPS, it's decided by our elected officials, Green, McBride, Denny, Ellzey, Gadd, Nettles, Read, and Watson, to divide approve the $25,000.00 grant to WRANPS.
Do I have it right so far?
I call this Fraud, Waste, & Abuse the legal way, how else could a Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Preservation Society, Inc. get $25,000.00, and I was told that its not taxpayers money but money from Tidelands Leases.
Money being provided to the state of Mississippi through Tidelands, like the casinos, is taxpayers money, I don't care what they want to call it.
Sounds like taxpayers money too me, what do you think?
In the past years, 1997, 1998, & 2000 grants were approved for the sum of $70,000.00 to WRANPS, so it seems laundering money is common place for all of the above.
That is a total of $95,000.00 in Special Interest Money provided to a SCAM organization.
But of course in politics and in there minds this is legal.
I believe the new governor stated he was against "Special Interest Groups" and wasting money!!
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
CONSPIRACY
This story tells you how corrupt the state of
Mississippi has become.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2003 Regular Session
To: Appropriations
By: Representative: Green, McBride, Denny, Ellzey, Gadd, Nettles, Read, Watson
http://www.ls.state.ms.us/hr_membs.htm
Green: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/green.htm
McBride: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/mcbride.htm
Denny: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/denny.htm
Ellzey: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/ellzey.htm
Gadd: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/gadd.htm
Nettles: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/nettles.htm
Read: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/read.htm
Watson: http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house/watson.htm
Feel free to drop the above legislatures an email, or call to let then no not to waste $25,000.00 just because they can.
House Bill 1532
(As Sent to Governor)
AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2004.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the support and maintenance of the Department of Marine Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, and ending June 30, 2004.........................
........................................... $ 1,928,625.00.
SECTION 2. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in any special fund in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Marine Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, and ending June 30, 2004............................... $ 8,105,903.00.
Of the funds appropriated in this section, Three Million Fifty Thousand Dollars ($3,050,000.00) is derived from the state excise taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products.
SECTION 3. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Sections 1 and 2, not more than the amounts set forth below shall be expended for the respective major objects or purpose of expenditure:
MAJOR OBJECTS OF EXPENDITURE:
Personal Services:
Salaries, Wages and Fringe Benefits$ 6,015,768.00
Travel and Subsistence.............. 100,000.00
Contractual Services..................... 1,900,000.00
Commodities.............................. 600,000.00
Capital Outlay:
Other Than Equipment................ 218,760.00
Equipment........................... 900,000.00
Subsidies, Loans and Grants.............. 300,000.00
Total.............................. $ 10,034,528.00
FUNDING:
General Funds........................... $ 1,928,625.00
Special Funds............................ 8,105,903.00
Total.............................. $ 10,034,528.00
AUTHORIZED POSITIONS:
Permanent: Full Time........... 107
Part Time........... 0
Time-Limited:Full Time........... 33
Part Time........... 4
Each Marine Conservation Officer and Supervisor shall be furnished an allowance for uniforms not to exceed Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) per annum.
Any transfers or escalations shall be made in accordance with the terms, conditions and procedures established by law.
No general funds authorized to be expended herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds which are being used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and which are withdrawn and no longer available.
SECTION 4. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Marine Resources shall have the authority to receive, budget and expend funds from any source that may become available to the department in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Finance and Administration in a manner consistent with the escalation of federal funds.
SECTION 5. In addition to all other sums heretofore appropriated, the following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the Tidelands Fund No. 3452 to the Department of Marine Resources for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Tidelands projects for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, and ending June 30, 2004......... $ 5,819,273.00.
With the funds appropriated in this section, the following projects are authorized:
Public Access Projects:
PROJECT NO. PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECTS AMOUNT
McLeod Water Park $ 100,000.00
P13A Pass Christian, Harbor Improvements 200,000.00
P12A East Pascagoula River Boat Launch
and Pier 150,000.00
P34A Bayhead Swamp and Bayou, Public
Access to 80,350.00
P31A Fountain Beach Access and Learning
Center 150,000.00
P02A Hiller Park Recreational Pier 150,000.00
P09A Pelican Landing, Phase II 200,000.00
P22A Pearlington Pier Extension,
Hancock County 100,000.00
P14A Garfield-Ladner Pier, Phase IV 200,000.00
P24A Washington Street Pier 200,000.00
P08A Long Beach Harbor Improvements 100,000.00
P19A Old Spanish Fort Boat Launching Ramp
and Pier 40,000.00
P20A Lake Mars Boat Launching and
Parking 120,000.00
P03A City Park Community Center 300,000.00
P28A Schooner Pier Project 325,000.00
P01A Rutherford Pier Improvement,
Phase II 50,000.00
P07A Gulfport Small Craft Harbor
Dredging 200,000.00
Derelict Vessels/Offshore
Artificial Reefs 250,000.00
P10A Ocean Springs Fishing Bridge
Expansion 125,000.00
Gulf Coast Research Lab Projects 300,000.00
P18A Racetrack Road Boat Launch,
Phase I 150,000.00
P15A Tchoutacabouffa River Boat Launch 150,000.00
Mississippi Sound Maritime Museum 100,000.00
WRANPS Wildlife Rehabilitation and
Preservation Society, Inc. 25,000.00
Total Public Access Projects: 3,765,350.00
Total Management Projects 987,523.00
Deer Island Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,066,400.00
Total Tidelands Funds: 5,819,273.00
Each political subdivision receiving funds authorized in this section shall be held responsible for complying with Section 29-15-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, and shall be subject to an audit by the State Auditor and shall submit detailed reports beginning June 30, and every six (6) months thereafter for the duration of the project to the Department of Marine Resources on how funds authorized in this section were expended.
It is the intention of the Legislature that any political subdivision seeking to qualify for tidelands funds for the subsequent fiscal year shall submit a proposal to the Department of Marine Resources no later than July 1, 2003. All proposals submitted will be reviewed and evaluated by the Department of Marine Resources in accordance to department plans and procedures. Multiphased projects, multiyear projects, proposed projects with high dollar value and projects that have a record of stacking funds shall be considered as low priority projects when evaluated.
It is the intention of the Legislature that if the amount of the Tidelands funds appropriated in this act exceed the actual amount of Tidelands funds available, the available funds shall be allocated on a pro rata basis between projects listed in this section.
SECTION 6. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby reappropriated out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Marine Resources, Tidelands Fund, which is comprised of special source funds available to the department, for expenditures pursuant to House Bill No. 1756, 2002 Regular Session, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, and ending June 30, 2004$5,500,000.00.
Notwithstanding the amount reappropriated under the provisions of this section, in no event shall the amount expended exceed the balance as of June 30, 2003, or change the purpose for which the funds were originally authorized except as otherwise stated in this bill.
SECTION 7. It is the intention of the Legislature that the commission shall place any special trust funds appropriated to the department in a special trust fund and the interest earned on the principal shall be credited to the special trust fund. Monies in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall be retained in the special trust fund for use in the next succeeding fiscal year. The department may use the interest earned on the fund to pay reasonable costs for administering the fund and related projects.
SECTION 8. It is the intention of the Legislature that Tidelands Funds not otherwise appropriated shall be used for additional funding of tideland projects and the administration thereof by the Department of Marine Resources. Expenditures of excess Tidelands Funds by the Department of Marine Resources for supplemental and additional funding and administration of tidelands projects heretofore or hereafter proposed is authorized and approved. The Department of Marine Resources may escalate the Tidelands Fund in an amount not to exceed Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00) for the purposes outlined in this section.
SECTION 9. The money herein appropriated shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the proper fund or funds as set forth in this act, upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or officers, in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 10. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2002 Regular Session
To: Appropriations
By: Representative Green, McBride, Denny, Ellzey, Gadd, Nettles, Read, Watson
House Bill 1756
(As Sent to Governor)
AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2003.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the support and maintenance of the Department of Marine Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2003..........
........................................... $ 1,913,517.00.
SECTION 2. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in any special fund in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Marine Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2003........................ $ 5,918,231.00.
Of the funds appropriated in this section, Three Million Fifty Thousand Dollars ($3,050,000.00) is derived from the state excise taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products.
SECTION 3. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Sections 1 and 2, not more than the amounts set forth below shall be expended for the respective major objects or purpose of expenditure:
MAJOR OBJECTS OF EXPENDITURE:
Personal Services:
Salaries, Wages and Fringe Benefits$ 5,273,881.00
Travel and Subsistence.............. 82,880.00
Contractual Services..................... 1,528,140.00
Commodities.............................. 412,564.00
Capital Outlay:
Other Than Equipment................ 5,000.00
Equipment........................... 267,938.00
Subsidies, Loans and Grants.............. 261,345.00
Total.............................. $ 7,831,748.00
FUNDING:
General Funds........................... $ 1,913,517.00
Special Funds............................ 5,918,231.00
Total.............................. $ 7,831,748.00
AUTHORIZED POSITIONS:
Permanent: Full Time........... 108
Part Time........... 0
Time-Limited:Full Time........... 33
Part Time........... 4
Each Marine Conservation Officer and Supervisor shall be furnished an allowance for uniforms not to exceed Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) per annum.
With the funds herein appropriated, it is the intention of the Legislature that it shall be the agency's responsibility to make certain that funds required to be appropriated for "Personal Services" for Fiscal Year 2004 do not exceed Fiscal Year 2003 funds appropriated for that purpose, unless programs, positions or pay increases are added to the agency's budget by the Mississippi Legislature. Based on data provided by the Legislative Budget Office, the State Personnel Board shall, on July 1, 2002, publish separate annual projection reports, based on July 1, 2002, data, for the period of July 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002, and January 1, 2003, through June 30, 2003, that project the annual cost to fully fund all appropriated positions in compliance with the provisions of this act. It shall be the responsibility of the agency head to ensure that no single personnel action increases this projected cost and/or the Fiscal Year 2003 appropriation for "Personal Services," as annualized on a semiannual basis in accordance with the provisions of this act. If, at the end of any calendar month, the State Personnel Board determines that the agency has taken action(s) which would cause the agency to exceed this projected annual cost or the Fiscal Year 2003 "Personal Services" appropriated level, when annualized in compliance with the provisions of this act, then only those actions which reduce the projected annual cost and/or the appropriation requirement will be processed by the State Personnel Board until such time as the requirements of this provision are met.
Any transfers or escalations shall be made in accordance with the terms, conditions and procedures established by law.
No general funds authorized to be expended herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds which are being used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and which are withdrawn and no longer available.
SECTION 4. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Marine Resources shall have the authority to receive, budget and expend funds from any source that may become available to the department in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Finance and Administration in a manner consistent with the escalation of federal funds.
SECTION 5. In addition to all other sums heretofore appropriated, the following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the Tidelands Fund No. 3452 to the Department of Marine Resources for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Tidelands projects for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2003 $ 5,500,000.00.
With the funds appropriated in this section, the following projects are authorized:
PROJECT NO. PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECTS: FINAL ACTION
FY 2003
P35A Biloxi Port Commission-Schooner
Pier Project . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 400,000.00
P06A City of Gulfport-Courthouse Road
Boat Launch Area-Phase II. . . . . . 200,000.00
P16A City of Pass Christian-Harbor
Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
P08A City of Long Beach Harbor
Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
P03A Gulfport Lake Improvements - City
of Gulfport . . . . . . . . . . . . 150,000.00
P04A Cowen Road Boat Launch - City of
Gulfport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
P32A Light House Fishing Dock and Bulkhead,
Phase VI - Biloxi Port Commission. . 100,000.00
P18A Hancock County Board of Supervisors-
Bayou Caddy Marina . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
P20A Hancock County Board of Supervisors-
Clermont Harbor Pier . . . . . . . . 100,000.00
P01A City of Bay St. Louis - Ulman Avenue
Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
P11A City of Ocean Springs-Fort Bayou
Fishing Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000.00
P27A Jackson County Board of Supervisors-
Porteaux Bayou . . . . . . . . . . . 150,000.00
P19A Hancock County Board of Supervisors-
McCleod Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 85,000.00
P09A City of Moss Point-Pelican Landing . . 50,000.00
P13A City of Pascagoula-Phase I Pier and
Launch Improvements. . . . . . . . . 60,000.00
P17A City of Waveland - Phase III Pier
Expansion and Related Improvements . 100,000.00
P34A Deer Island Restoration and Harbor
Improvements - Biloxi Port
Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400,000.00
P02A D'Iberville Port Comm. - Fountain
Beach Public Access and Habitat
Learning Center. . . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
P07A City of Gautier-City Park Expansion. . 200,000.00
TOTAL PUBLIC ACCESS: 3,295,000.00
MANAGEMENT PROJECTS:
M52A Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum,
Biloxi Schooner Project . . . . . . . 200,000.00
Various DMR/USM - Management Projects. . . . . . . . . 262,500.00
M55A Beauvoir Shrine - Access to Oyster
Bayou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95,000.00
M53A Mississippi Sound Maritime Historical
Foundation, Mississippi Maritime
Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
M13A Mississippi Artificial Reef Development-
MDMR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000.00
M02A Grand Bay NERR Operation Award Match-
MDMR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175,000.00
M61A Mississippi Coast Audubon Society,
Conservation of Least Terns-Harrison
County Beaches. . . . . . . . . . . . 20,000.00
Various Department of Marine Resources Management
Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552,500.00
SB2273 Deer Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000.00 TOTAL MANAGEMENT: 2,205,000.00 TOTAL TIDELANDS: 5,500,000.00
Each political subdivision receiving funds authorized in this section shall be held responsible for complying with Section 29-15-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, and shall be subject to an audit by the State Auditor and shall submit detailed reports beginning June 30, and every six (6) months thereafter for the duration of the project to the Department of Marine Resources on how funds authorized in this section were expended.
It is the intention of the Legislature that any political subdivision seeking to qualify for tidelands funds for the subsequent fiscal year shall submit a proposal to the Department of Marine Resources no later than July 1, 2002. All proposals submitted will be reviewed and evaluated by the Department of Marine Resources in accordance to department plans and procedures. Multiphased projects, multiyear projects, proposed projects with high dollar value and projects that have a record of stacking funds shall be considered as low priority projects when evaluated.
It is the intention of the Legislature that if the amount of the Tidelands funds appropriated in this act exceed the actual amount of Tidelands funds available, the available funds shall be made allocated on a pro rata basis between projects listed in this section.
SECTION 6. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Tidelands funds provided for the "D'Iberville Marina Complex Phase IV" project authorized in House Bill No. 1633, Regular Session of 1999, and Tidelands funds provided for the "D'Iberville Marina Complex Phase V" project authorized in House Bill No. 1636, Regular Session of 2000, shall be used for the "D'Iberville Port Commission Habitat Educational Park" project.
SECTION 7. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Tidelands funds provided for the "Biloxi Port Commission - Point Cadet Marina - J Pier" project authorized in House Bill No. 1636, Regular Session of 2000, shall be used for the "Biloxi Port Commission - Lighthouse Fishing Dock" project.
SECTION 8. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Tidelands funds provided for the "Restoration West End of Deer Island" project authorized in House Bill No. 1569, Regular Session of 2001, shall be used for the "Deer Island Restoration and Harbor Improvements - Biloxi Port Commission" project.
SECTION 9. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Tidelands funds provided for the "City of Moss Point - Waterfront Development: Pelican Landing" project authorized in House Bill No. 1569, Regular Session of 2001, shall be used for the "River Bend Pier and Boardwalk in Moss Point" project.
SECTION 10. It is the intention of the Legislature that Tidelands funds allocated in this act in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) for the City of Ocean Springs - Phase I East Beach Board Walk project must be approved by the Mayor and Board of Alderman by September 1, 2002. If the city does not approve the project by September 1, 2002, the funds will be transferred to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors for Phase I of the Lake Mars Boat Launch and Parking project.
SECTION 11. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Marine Resources be allowed to make necessary transfers from the Subsidies, Loans and Grants major object of expenditure to any other major object of expenditure for the purpose of expending Tidelands funds as appropriated in House Bill No. 1569, Regular Session of 2001.
SECTION 12. The money herein appropriated shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the proper fund or funds as set forth in this act, upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or officers, in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 13. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002, except for Section 11, which shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2001 Regular Session
To: Appropriations
By: Representative Green, McBride, Denny, Ellzey, Gadd, Read, Watson
House Bill 1569
(As Sent to Governor)
AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2002.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the support and maintenance of the Department of Marine Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, and ending June 30, 2002
$ 2,194,341.00.
SECTION 2. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in any special fund in the State Treasury to the credit of the Department of Marine Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, and ending June 30, 2002 $ 5,810,887.00.
Of the funds appropriated in this section, Three Million Fifty Thousand Dollars ($3,050,000.00) is derived from the state excise taxes upon gasoline, oil and other petroleum products.
SECTION 3. Of the funds appropriated under the provisions of Sections 1 and 2, not more than the amounts set forth below shall be expended for the respective major objects or purpose of expenditure:
MAJOR OBJECTS OF EXPENDITURE:
Personal Services:
Salaries, Wages and Fringe Benefits $ 4,734,041.00
Travel and Subsistence 83,460.00
Contractual Services 1,601,931.00
Commodities 523,708.00
Capital Outlay:
Other Than Equipment 15,000.00
Equipment 785,743.00
Subsidies, Loans and Grants 261,345.00
Total $ 8,005,228.00
FUNDING:
General Funds $ 2,194,341.00
Special Funds 5,810,887.00
Total $ 8,005,228.00
AUTHORIZED POSITIONS:
Permanent: Full Time 110
Part Time 0
Time-Limited: Full Time 24
Part Time 5
Each Marine Conservation Officer and Supervisor shall be furnished an allowance for uniforms not to exceed Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) per annum.
Any transfers or escalations shall be made in accordance with the terms, conditions and procedures established by law.
No general funds authorized to be expended herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds which are being used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and which are withdrawn and no longer available.
SECTION 4. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Marine Resources shall have the authority to receive, budget and expend funds from any source that may become available to the department in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Finance and Administration in a manner consistent with the escalation of federal funds.
SECTION 5. In addition to all other sums heretofore appropriated, the following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the Tidelands Fund No. 3450, to the Department of Marine Resources for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Tidelands projects for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, and ending June 30, 2002 $ 5,000,000.00.
With the funds appropriated in this section, the following projects are authorized:
PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECTS:
City of Biloxi-Seafood Museum. . . . . .$ 200,000.00
City of Biloxi-Lighthouse Restoration. .$ 100,000.00
City of Gulfport-Courthouse Road Boat
Launch Area-Phase II. . . . . . . .$ 400,000.00
City of Pass Christian-Harbor
Improvements. . . . . . . . . . . .$ 200,000.00
City of Long Beach-FY2002 Harbor
Improvements. . . . . . . . . . . .$ 200,000.00
Harrison County Board of Supervisors-
Popps Ferry Causeway. . . . . . . .$ 400,000.00
Hancock County Board of Supervisors-
Bayou Caddy Marina. . . . . . . . .$ 200,000.00
Hancock County Board of Supervisors -
Clermont Harbor Pier. . . . . . . .$ 100,000.00
City of Bay St. Louis - Ulman Avenue
Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 200,000.00
City of Moss Point-Waterfront
Development: Pelican Landing. . . .$ 300,000.00
City of Ocean Springs-Fort Bayou Boat
Ramp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 200,000.00
Jackson County Board of Supervisors-
St. Martin Bayou Phase II. . . . . $ 150,000.00
Hancock County Board of Supervisors -
Curtis Johnson . . . . . . . . . . $ 60,000.00
Hancock County Board of Supervisors -
Dunbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 75,000.00
Hancock County Board of Supervisors -
McCleod Park . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50,000.00
City of Pascagoula-Reclamation and
Conservation of Round Island
Lighthouse Beach . . . . . . . . . $ 100,000.00
Jackson County Board of Supervisors -
Ocean Springs Harbor -
Phase III. . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 150,000.00
Jackson County Board of Supervisors -
Graveline Bayou Dredging -
Phase II . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 75,000.00
D'Iberville Port Commission - Fountain
Beach Public Access and Habitat
Learning Center. . . . . . . . . . $ 100,000.00
City of Gulfport - Moses Pier
Improvement. . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50,000.00
Mississippi Maritime Museum . . . . . . $ 50,000.00
City of Waveland. . . . . . . . . . . . $ 150,000.00
TOTAL PUBLIC ACCESS . . . . . . . . . . $3,510,000.00
MANAGEMENT PROJECTS:
USM - Cedar Point Nature and Wildlife
Preserve and Public Interpretation
Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 200,000.00
Restoration West End of Deer Island . . $ 300,000.00
Hancock County Low Profile Reefs. . . . $ 150,000.00
Harrison County Low Profile Reefs . . . $ 200,000.00
Jackson County Low Profile Reefs. . . . $ 150,000.00
Department of Marine Resources
Management Projects. . . . . . . . $ 490,000.00
TOTAL MANAGEMENT: $1,490,000.00
TOTAL TIDELANDS: $5,000,000.00
Each political subdivision receiving funds authorized in this section shall be held responsible for complying with Section 29-15-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, and shall be subject to an audit by the State Auditor and shall submit detailed reports beginning June 30, and every six (6) months thereafter for the duration of the project to the Department of Marine Resources on how funds authorized in this section were expended.
It is the intention of the Legislature that any political subdivision seeking to qualify for tidelands funds for the subsequent fiscal year shall submit a proposal to the Department of Marine Resources no later than July 1, 2001. All proposals submitted will be reviewed and evaluated by the Department of Marine Resources in accordance to department plans and procedures. Multiphased projects, multiyear projects, proposed projects with high dollar value and projects that have a record of stacking funds shall be considered as low priority projects when evaluated.
It is the intention of the Legislature that if the amount of the tidelands funds appropriated in this act exceed the actual amount of tidelands funds available, the available funds shall be made allocated on a pro rata basis between projects listed in this section.
SECTION 6. It is the intention of the Legislature that the Department of Marine Resources be allowed to make necessary transfers from the Subsidies, Loans and Grants category of expenditures to any other categories of expenditures for the purpose of expending Tidelands funds as appropriated in House Bill No. 1636 of the Regular Session of 2000.
SECTION 7. The money herein appropriated shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the proper fund or funds as set forth in this act, upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or officers, in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 8. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001, except for Section 6 which shall take effect from and after passage and through June 30, 2001.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
1999 Regular Session
To: Ways and Means
By: Representatives Peranich, Compretta
House Bill 1131
AN ACT TO CREATE A NEW CODE SECTION 27-19-56.15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS IN SUPPORT OF MISSISSIPPI WILDLIFE REHABILITATION ORGANIZATIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEES COLLECTED FOR SUCH DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO MISSISSIPPI WILDLIFE REHABILITATION ORGANIZATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 27-19-56.15, Mississippi Code of 1972:
27-19-56.15. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name, which license tag shall display a wild animal native to the State of Mississippi and the words "Wildlife Rehabilitation." The native Mississippi wild animal emblem shall be chosen by the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Nature Preservation Society, Inc. (WRANPS), and the words "Wildlife Rehabilitation" shall be affixed during the production of the license tag. The State Tax Commission shall prescribe such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.
(2) Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less five percent (5%) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission within seven (7) days of the date the application is made. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.
(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 1999, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.
(4) The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify to the State Treasurer the total fees collected under this section from the issuance of the distinctive license tags issued under this section. The State Treasurer shall distribute an amount equal to Seven Dollars ($7.00) of the additional fees collected for each such distinctive license tag issued under this section to the State General Fund, and the remainder of such additional fees collected shall be distributed by the State Treasurer as follows:
(a) Thirty-two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($32.50) of each additional fee collected from issuance of the distinctive license tags shall be deposited into a special fund that is created in the State Treasury to the credit of all Mississippi wildlife rehabilitation organizations collectively that hold current state and federal licenses. The funds shall be made available at the beginning of each calendar year to each wildlife rehabilitation organization on a pro rata basis in accordance with the numbers of native wild animals each organization has rehabilitated for the past year. These numbers shall be based on annual reports currently submitted to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It shall be the responsibility of the WRANPS to submit a final tally of numbers for each licensed wildlife organization to the State Tax Commission before the commission's final disbursement of funds. WRANPS shall further be responsible for sending a copy of this tally to each licensed wildlife rehabilitation organization.
(b) One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on special license tags issued under this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created under Section 7-9-70.
(c) The remainder of each such additional fee shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.
(5) A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section. The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section. The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.
(6) In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37. The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00). The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.
(7) Each licensed wildlife organization shall be responsible for placement of a poster notifying the public of the availability of the distinctive license tag at each courthouse within the organization's county. Each licensed wildlife organization shall pay a pro rata share of any printing costs associated with the poster to WRANPS within sixty (60) days of receipt of a billing notice. Each organization may further market the tag at its own expense.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.
Tidelands Trust Fund HistoryThe Tidelands Trust Fund Program, as administered by the Secretary of State's Office and the Department of Marine Resources, began in 1994, and its mission is to establish state policy balancing the divergent interests of upland private property owners and the general public over the use of public trust tidelands and submerged land of the State of Mississippi. How is the Tidelands Trust Fund Administered? Applications
for Tidelands Trust Funds are accepted by the Department of Marine
Resources each year. An in-house compliance review is conducted by the
Tidelands Administrator to ensure that all applications are complete and
legible. Upon completion of this initial screening, a Merit Review
Committee begins its review process. The Merit Review Committee is
comprised of two Commissioners from the Commission on Marine Resources,
a representative of the Secretary of State's Office, DMR Cadre Staff,
and various local experts in the marine science field. Their review
process follows the ‘project selection criteria’ as established by
the Commission on Marine Resources. Examples of the selection criteria
include, but are not limited to, level of anticipated benefits to be
gained from project, level of beneficial impact/enhancement, level of
need for the project, and compliance with the intent of Mississippi Code
§29-15-9. Upon completion of the Merit Committee’s review,
recommendations on projects are made to the Commission on Marine
Resources. After careful and extensive review by the Commissioners,
final recommendations are submitted to the Legislature for appropriation
in January. The Legislature has ultimate authority in deciding the
appropriation of Tidelands funds. The Department of Marine Resources
notifies all recipients of Tidelands funds by mail in May as to the
amount of money their projects will receive. Upon receipt of funds from
the Secretary of State’s Office in October, the Department of Marine
Resources disburses the funds as mandated. |
|
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Tidelands Trust Fund
What is the Tidelands Trust Fund?
The Tidelands Trust Fund, which is comprised of funds derived from the lease of tidelands and submerged lands, is administered by the Department of Marine Resources as mandated by the state law. The guidelines for administering these funds, as stated in Title 29, Section 15, of the Mississippi Code of 1972, are as follows:
"Any funds derived from lease rentals of tidelands and submerged lands, except those funds derived from mineral leases, or funds previously specifically designated to be applied to other agencies, shall be transferred to the special fund. However, funds derived from lease rentals may be used to cover the administrative cost incurred by the Secretary of State. Any remaining funds derived from lease rentals shall be disbursed pro rata to the local taxing authorities for the replacement of lost ad Val orem taxes, if any. Then, any remaining funds shall be disbursed to the commission for new and extra programs of tidelands management, such as conservation, reclamation, preservation, acquisition, education, or the enhancement of public access to the public trust tidelands or public improvement projects as they relate to those lands."
What are Tidelands?
Those lands which are daily covered and uncovered by water by the action of the tides, up to the mean line of the ordinary high tides.
For further information regarding Tidelands Leases, Boundary distinctions, etc. please visit the Secretary of State's Web site at http://www.sos.state.ms.us/PublicLands/Tidelands/
Click here more information on Tidelands Trust Fund History, Upcoming Events and Current News.
As Amended
SEC. 29-15-9. Public Trust Tidelands Fund; distribution of funds derived from lease rentals of tidelands and submerged lands; disbursement of funds appropriated as separate line items in appropriation bill.
(1) There is * * * created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the "Public Trust Tidelands Fund." The fund shall be administered by the Secretary of State as trustee.
(2) Any funds derived from lease rentals of tidelands and submerged lands, except those funds derived from mineral leases, or funds previously specifically designated to be applied to other agencies, shall be transferred to the special fund. However, funds derived from lease rentals may be used to cover the administrative cost incurred by the Secretary of State. Any remaining funds derived from lease rentals shall be disbursed pro rata to the local taxing authorities for the replacement of lost ad valorem taxes, if any. Then, any remaining funds shall be disbursed to the commission for new and extra programs of tidelands management, such as conservation, reclamation, preservation, acquisition, education or the enhancement of public access to the public trust tidelands or public improvement projects as they relate to those lands.
(3) Any funds that are appropriated as separate line items in an appropriation bill for tideland programs or projects authorized under this section for political subdivisions or other agencies shall be disbursed as provided in this subsection.
(a) The Department of Marine Resources shall make progress payments in installments based on the work completed and material used in the performance of a tidelands project only after receiving written verification from the political subdivision or agency. The political subdivision or agency shall submit verification of the work completed or materials in such detail and form that the department may require.
(b) The Department of Marine Resources shall make funds available for the purpose of using such funds as a match or leverage for federal or other funds that are available for the designated tidelands project.
SOURCES: Laws, 1989, ch. 495, Sec. 6, eff from and after passage (approved March 31, 1989). Laws, 1994, ch. 578, Sec. 53; Laws, 2002, ch. 474, § 1, HB 1331, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 27, 2002.).
PREVIOUS VERSIONS: Pre-2002.
News Release
LST-03-137
October 9, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Secretary of State Presents $5.69 Million Tidelands Check to CMR
BILOXI, Miss. – Mississippi Secretary of State Eric Clark presented the Commission on
Marine Resources with a check for $5,697,689 to be used for FY2004 Tidelands Funds
projects at a ceremony held today at Forrest Avenue Pier on Biloxi’s Back Bay. The money is
from tideland lease revenue collected on the Mississippi Gulf Coast last year.
The Commission on Marine Resources will distribute the grants to tidelands funds recipients
over the next two months. Grants will be used for projects in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson
counties. The Department of Marine Resources oversees the progress of the projects.
FY2004 Tidelands Projects include:
PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECTS:
• City of Bay St. Louis – Rutherford Pier Improvements, Phase II
• City of Biloxi – Hiller Park Recreational Pier
• City of Gautier – City Park Community Center
• City of Gulfport – Gulfport Small Craft Harbor Dredging
• City of Long Beach – Harbor Improvements
• City of Moss Point – Pelican Landing, Phase II
• City of Ocean Springs – Ocean Springs Fishing Bridge Improvements
• City of Pascagoula – East Pascagoula River Boat Launch & Pier
• City of Pass Christian – Harbor Improvements
• City of Waveland – Garfield-Ladner Pier, Phase IV
• Jackson County Board of Supervisors – Old Spanish Fort Boat Launch Ramp & Pier
• Jackson County Board of Supervisors – Lake Mars Boat Launch and Parking
• Jackson County Board of Supervisors – Racetrack Road Boat Launch, Phase I
• Hancock County Board of Supervisors – Pearlington Pier Extension
• Hancock County Board of Supervisors – Washington Street Pier
• Hancock County Board of Supervisors – McCleod Park
• Harrison County Board of Supervisors – Tchouticabouffa River Boat Launch
• Biloxi Port Commission – Schooner Pier Project
• D’Iberville Port Commission – Fountain Beach Public Access and Habitat Learning Center
MANAGEMENT PROJECTS:
• Mississippi Sound Maritime Museum
• Gulf Coast Research Lab Projects
• WRANPS Wildlife Rehabilitation & Preservation Society, Inc.
• Beauvoir Shrine – Bayhead Swamp and Bayou, Public Access to
• Derelict Vessels/Offshore Artificial Reefs
• Department of Marine Resources – Management Projects
• Deer Island Acquisition
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MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
1141 Bayview Avenue, Suite 101, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
Contact: Lauren Thompson
Phone: (228) 374-5000
Page Two
Secretary of State Presents Tidelands Check to CMR
The Tidelands Trust Fund Program consists of funds derived from the lease rentals of
tidelands and submerged lands. Revenues collected by the Office of Secretary of State,
appropriated by the state legislature and administered by the CMR. All tidelands projects are
reviewed, evaluated and recommended annually by the Commission on Marine Resources.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and
conserving marine interests of the State by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands,
adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational,
educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns
and social changes. Visit us online at www.dmr.state.ms.us.
PHOTO CREDIT: MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
PHOTO CUTLINE: Secretary of State Eric Clark presents the fiscal year 2004 Tidelands
check for $5,697,689 to the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources Oct. 9, 2003,
on Forrest Avenue Pier in Biloxi. From left, Mississippi Department of Marine
Resources Deputy Director Dr. Fred Deegen, Commission on Marine Resources
member Dr. Vernon Asper and Secretary of State Eric Clark.
—END—