MS HB308

Municipalities with population of 10,000 or more, or those bordering the Mississippi Sound or Gulf of Mexico, are authorized to create, establish, develop, promote, maintain, and operate harbors and recreational parks for small water crafts within their territorial limits.

Municipalities shall own all docks, piers, slips, wharves, breakwaters, bulkheads, jetties, buildings, structures, and facilities associated with such harbors and recreational parks, and shall receive all revenues derived from their operation.

All harbors and recreational parks constructed under this chapter shall be maintained and operated under the exclusive control of city authorities, with no requirement to enter into leases with the Secretary of State or other state agencies.

Harbors or recreational parks located on tidelands or submerged lands are held in trust by the municipality in which they are located.

The act takes effect July 1, 2013.