MS SB2486

Creates the Mississippi State Parks Study Committee composed of 5 state senators and 5 representatives to examine restructuring of ownership and management of state parks.

Committee shall study implications of renewing or not renewing leases with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for John W. Kyle, George P. Cossar, and Hugh White State Parks, including lease terms, renewal rights, and infrastructure costs.

Committee shall investigate whether local governments would accept conveyance of six named state parks (Great River Road, Florewood, Tombigbee, Lake Lowndes, Legion, and Paul B. Johnson) to operate as county or municipal parks.

Committee shall examine feasibility of repurposing Lake Lincoln State Park as a state fisheries lake and Natchez State Park as a wildlife management area, and of leasing certain state parks to private companies in regional groups.

Committee shall report findings and recommendations to the 2022 Regular Session of the Legislature, including legislative amendments needed, and shall dissolve upon submitting its report.