MS HB1525

Establishes the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance (SRDA), an alliance comprising the Boards of Supervisors of Pike, Amite, Walthall and Franklin Counties, the City of McComb, Wilkinson County Industrial Development Authority, and Pike County Economic Development District, with ability to add members by unanimous consent.

Grants SRDA authority to acquire real estate, develop industrial parks, recreation facilities, and pursue economic development projects including construction of roads, railroads, utilities, and related infrastructure within member counties.

Authorizes county boards and municipalities to issue bonds for SRDA projects with full faith and credit pledge; bond income may fund project retirement, further development, or the SRDA general fund, with bonds exempt from state taxation.

Empowers SRDA to sell, lease, or exchange industrial sites and facilities; employ professional staff; fix fees for water, sewage, and utility services; and sue or be sued as a political subdivision covered by the Mississippi Torts Claim Act.

Allows SRDA employees to participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) upon submission of an approved plan to PERS.