House Bill 1543 Summary

• Increase bond authorization for local government freight rail service projects from $18,000,000 to $21,000,000 and increase maximum grants to counties from $8,000,000 to $11,000,000

• Authorize $3,000,000 in general obligation bonds for the State Railroad Revitalization Fund to fund the Mississippi Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Account

• Authorize $3,000,000 in general obligation bonds to provide grants to the Southwest Regional Railroad Authority for repair and improvement of the railroad line from Natchez to Brookhaven, Mississippi

• Authorize $3,000,000 in general obligation bonds to assist the Rail Authority of East Mississippi in developing and constructing an intermodal railroad and related facilities in Wayne, Greene, and George Counties

• Authorize $1,000,000 in general obligation bonds for Lowndes County to fund planning, development, and improvement of Artesia Road and related rail infrastructure including grade crossings