MS HB1502

Establishes a Municipal Port Assistance Program specifically for municipalities with populations under 10,000 that operate port facilities

Creates a priority allocation or set-aside within the existing Multimodal Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) and Ports Grant Program for eligible small municipal ports

Eligible projects include roadway access, dock improvements, bulkhead work, utilities, multimodal freight connections, capital improvements, preconstruction engineering, planning, and design

Matching fund requirements may be waived or reduced for qualifying municipalities under 10,000 population

Effective date of July 1, 2026, with the Department of Transportation and Mississippi Development Authority required to develop rules and guidelines for administration