MS HB1509

Appropriates $1,174,539,492.00 from Department of Transportation Funds for Mississippi Department of Transportation administrative expenses for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018).

Authorizes 3,279 full-time and 9 part-time permanent positions, with $156,802,468.00 allocated for salaries, wages, and fringe benefits.

Allocates funds across six program budgets: Administration and Other Expenses ($52.4 million), Construction ($781.8 million), Maintenance ($215.6 million), Debt Service ($77.2 million), Law Enforcement ($15.1 million), and Aeronautics/Rails ($32.4 million).

Requires MDOT to maintain project planning policies tracking initial cost estimates, approving cost revisions with narrative justification, and prohibits construction of new highway segments under 10 miles unless justified in Transportation Commission minutes with notice to legislative committees.

Requires $650,000 transfer to Department of Agriculture for Beaver Control Program, $300,000 for Statewide Litter Prevention Program, and minimum $80,000,000 for contracted maintenance overlay and pavement rehabilitation.