MS HB233

Creates the Mississippi Ports Improvements Fund in the State Treasury to receive monies from any source, with unexpended amounts carrying forward year to year and investment earnings deposited to the fund.

Authorizes the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to establish a grant program providing funds for repair, rehabilitation, construction, reconstruction, upgrading, and improvement of existing port facilities, including safety and structural integrity projects.

Allows MDA to reimburse up to 2% of general obligation bond proceeds for reasonable and actual costs incurred in administering the grants program.

Requires grant applicants to submit applications including project description with costs, purpose statement, and any other information requested by the MDA.

Creates the Port Improvement Fund Advisory Committee with six port directors (two from coastal ports, two from Mississippi River inland ports, two from Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway ports) appointed by the Mississippi Ports Council President, plus the MDA Executive Director or designee.