MS HB1442

Airport authorities, municipalities, and other governmental entities that own or operate airports may contract with private companies for financing, designing, constructing, operating, or maintaining airport facilities through property leases or other contracts

Contracts entered into under this new authority are exempt from the competitive bidding requirements of Section 31-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972

The contracting authority mirrors existing provisions for toll roads and toll bridges under Section 65-4-3

This legislation creates an additional and alternative method for governmental entities to purchase, build, improve, own, or operate airport facilities, supplementing existing powers

The new powers apply to airport authorities, county boards of supervisors, and municipal governing authorities regardless of any conflicting state laws or municipal charters