MS HB286

Creates the Mississippi River Delta Promise Zone as a rural development initiative composed of 19 counties: Adams, Bolivar, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica, Warren, Washington, and Yazoo.

Requires the Promise Zone to utilize a regional approach with assistance from the Mississippi Development Authority to increase job growth, public/private investment, community development, and educational attainment in the Delta Region.

Establishes a governing board composed of representatives from colleges and universities, counties and municipalities, local and regional development organizations, banking and finance, small business owners, and entities that encourage innovation.

Designates the Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact, a 501(c)(3) organization, as the administrative body responsible for implementing the Promise Zone and executing the 2009 Delta Revitalization Task Force action plan.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.