MS HB1323

Creates the Tallahatchie River Authority comprising eight counties along the Tallahatchie and Little Tallahatchie Rivers (Leflore, Tallahatchie, Quitman, Panola, Lafayette, Marshall, Union, and Tippah), with county participation contingent on board of supervisors approval

Establishes a board of directors with one member appointed by each participating county's board of supervisors, with staggered initial terms of 1-4 years and subsequent 4-year terms; members serve without pay

Authorizes the authority to contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority, federal agencies, and state/local governments to pursue comprehensive regional development

Empowers the authority to address tourism, economic development, forestry, drainage, land reclamation, bank stabilization, water conservation, recreation, public health, and education

Permits county boards of supervisors to contribute funds from their general county funds at their discretion to support the authority

Effective date: July 1, 2022