MS HB1181

Authorizes the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to conduct a pilot program leasing lands within George P. Cossar, Hugh White, and John W. Kyle state parks for commercial development compatible with outdoor recreation and accessible to the public.

Requires the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to approve all leases and make affirmative findings that developments will not be incompatible with recreational purposes or inaccessible to the general public.

Creates the State Park Lease Development Endowment Fund to receive rental payments from leases, with principal kept inviolate and investment income available for constructing, repairing, and improving state park facilities upon legislative appropriation.

Establishes a State Parks Pilot Program Advisory Council with three members appointed by Boards of Supervisors from Grenada, Panola, and Yalobusha Counties to advise the Commission on developer selection and lease approval.

Creates a joint task force to study state park infrastructure needs, dedicated revenue sources, electric power associations assuming utility jurisdiction in parks, feasibility of a separate parks and tourism department, and Mississippi Department of Transportation jurisdiction over park roads; task force must report findings by January 4, 2012.