MS HB1657

Appropriates $1,051,522 from the State General Fund and $22,969,183 from special funds for the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017)

Authorizes 104 permanent full-time positions and 78 time-limited full-time positions, with Marine Conservation Officers receiving up to $600 annually for uniforms

Allocates $9,787,443 from the Tidelands Fund for coastal access and improvement projects across Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock counties, including boat launches, boardwalks, harbors, and pier restorations

Provides $3,000,000 from the Budget Contingency Fund for the Coastal Map Revision Project to revise floodplain maps in the three coastal counties, aimed at reducing flood insurance rates and construction costs

Requires political subdivisions receiving tidelands funds to submit detailed reports every six months and comply with state audit requirements