MS HB1783

Appropriates $3,604,594.00 from the State General Fund and $256,780,550.00 from special state funds to the Department of Marine Resources for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025).

Authorizes 108 permanent positions and 65 time-limited positions for the agency, with restrictions on salary escalations and requirements that personal services funding not exceed fiscal year 2025 appropriations unless new programs are added by the Legislature.

Allocates $11,700,000.00 from the Tidelands Fund for public access projects and management initiatives across coastal counties, including boat launches, piers, and harbor improvements in cities like Gulfport, D'Iberville, Pass Christian, and Long Beach.

Provides $119,713,196.00 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funding for 75 specific projects including infrastructure improvements, sewer systems, oyster restoration, marine mammal monitoring, and coastal protection across Mississippi coastal communities.

Authorizes the Department of Marine Resources to expend up to $10,000,000.00 in additional available GOMESA funds in fiscal year 2025 and to make payments for prior fiscal year expenses not exceeding $144,658.53.