MS HB177

Creates the Mississippi River Delta Promise Zone covering 19 counties (Adams, Bolivar, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica, Warren, Washington, and Yazoo) to revitalize the Delta Region through job creation and business development.

Establishes a Promise Zone governance board composed of representatives from colleges and universities, counties and municipalities, development organizations, banking and finance, small business owners, and innovation-focused entities.

Designates the Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact, a 501(c)(3) organization, to administer the Promise Zone with assistance from the Mississippi Development Authority.

Creates the Mississippi Delta Development Fund to receive 10% of state gaming revenues collected under Section 75-76-177(1)(c), with funds disbursed upon legislative appropriation to the Strategic Compact for Promise Zone purposes.

Takes effect July 1, 2020, with the 10% gaming revenue diversion continuing through June 30, 2028, after which the revenue provision remains in place.