SB 2647 Summary

• Creates a Technical Advisory Board (TAB) to develop and annually revise a comprehensive coastal conservation and restoration plan for Mississippi Gulf Coast projects addressing restoration, storm protection, habitat construction, and water quality improvement.

• TAB composition includes a chairman appointed by the Governor, representatives from the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Marine Resources, Secretary of State's office, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, nonprofit environmental groups, and nonvoting members from the House and Senate.

• TAB shall establish planning goals, priorities, project-monitoring requirements, and guidance for project ranking and selection, with the plan to be revised every five years.

• Requires annual reporting on coastal areas of concern and monitoring efforts to assess whether plan priorities and goals are being met, with TAB administrative expenses capped at 1% of administered funds.

• Amends Mississippi Code sections 49-15-305, 49-2-13, and 29-15-7 to assign coastal restoration responsibilities to the Department of Marine Resources, Department of Environmental Quality, and Secretary of State respectively, effective July 1, 2024.