MS SB2255

Reconstitutes the Board of the State Port Authority on July 1, 2014 to consist of 9 members: 5 appointed by the Governor, 1 by the municipal governing authority, 1 by the county board of supervisors, and 2 ex officio nonvoting members (Lieutenant Governor or designee and Executive Director of Mississippi Department of Transportation or designee).

Requires all appointed board members to have either a baccalaureate degree plus 5 years of experience, or a high school diploma/GED plus 15 years of experience in maritime shipping, labor related to maritime shipping, overland shipping, international commerce, economic development, accounting, engineering, or law.

Establishes staggered initial terms for appointed members: municipal and county members serve 5 years, while gubernatorial appointees serve 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years respectively; all subsequent appointments are for 5-year terms.

Transfers duties from the Mississippi Development Authority to the Board of Directors of the State Port Authority and updates references throughout the statute to reflect the reconstituted board structure.

Governor shall ensure diverse qualifications and interests are represented on the board; board members receive compensation per Section 25-3-69 and travel expenses per Section 25-3-41.