MS HB143

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.

Directs the Promise Zone to utilize a regional approach with assistance from the Mississippi Development Authority to create jobs, increase investment, enhance community development, and raise educational attainment in the Delta Region.

Establishes that the Promise Zone shall be governed by a board composed of representatives from colleges and universities, counties and municipalities, local and regional development organizations, banking and finance, small business owners, and innovation-focused entities.

Designates the Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact, a 501(c)(3) organization, as the administrator of the Promise Zone with the mandate to implement regional revitalization efforts and the 2009 Delta Revitalization Task Force action plan.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.