MS HB1412

Appropriates $1,079,426.00 from the State General Fund and $92,536,490.00 from special funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2022 (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022), with $3,050,000.00 derived from state excise taxes on gasoline and petroleum products.

Authorizes 104 permanent full-time positions and 75 time-limited full-time positions for the department, with Marine Conservation Officers and Supervisors receiving uniform allowances not to exceed $600.00 per annum.

Appropriates $12,226,497.00 from the Tidelands Fund for public access projects and harbor improvements across Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock counties, including boat launches, boardwalks, parks, and infrastructure upgrades.

Allocates $43,111,590.00 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds for 41 projects including coastal conservation, oyster restoration, water quality improvements, and infrastructure projects across coastal communities and educational institutions.

Authorizes the department to expend up to $17,000,000.00 in additional GOMESA funds that may become available during fiscal year 2022, and prohibits use of appropriated funds for utilities in state-furnished employee housing.