MS HB1597

Appropriates $1,103,247,415.00 from the State Treasury to the Mississippi Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019).

Authorizes 3,384 full-time permanent positions and 9 part-time permanent positions; allocates funds across six program areas including construction ($712.2 million), maintenance ($210.1 million), administration ($54.2 million), debt service ($76.5 million), law enforcement ($16 million), and aeronautics/rails ($34.3 million).

Restricts construction of new highway segments to minimum 10 miles unless Transportation Commission documents justification in official minutes and notifies legislative committee chairs within 10 working days.

Requires $650,000 be transferred to Department of Agriculture and Commerce for Beaver Control Program and $300,000 be allocated for Statewide Litter Prevention Program; requires minimum $80 million for contracted maintenance overlay and pavement rehabilitation.

Authorizes transfers between programs up to 10% of allocated amounts (except restrictions on Administrative, Law Enforcement, and Maintenance programs); permits agency to spend up to $200 million from HELP projects and general obligation bonds for highway construction.