MS HB845

Authorizes issuance of $5,000,000 in state general obligation bonds for the Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund, with all bonds to be issued by July 1, 2017.

Bonds are general obligations of Mississippi with full faith and credit pledged; principal and interest payable from state funds, maturity not to exceed 25 years, and interest rate not to exceed limits in Section 75-17-101.

Bond proceeds to be deposited in the Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund and used for grants to preserve, restore, or rehabilitate historic courthouses, school buildings, and other historic properties identified by certified local governments.

Increases the allocation for general heritage preservation grants from $25,600,000 to $30,600,000 and creates a separate $1,750,000 allocation specifically for county courthouse restoration projects (capped at $875,000 per courthouse).

Designates specific funding allocations totaling $3,153,000 for named organizations and municipalities including the Amory Regional Museum, Jacinto Foundation, Oxford-Lafayette County Heritage Foundation, City of Columbus, Town of Wesson, and National West Point Alumni Association.