MS HB1677

Creates the Metro Jackson Water Authority as a public benefit corporation to assume management and control of Jackson's water and wastewater systems following termination of the federal court-appointed interim third-party manager.

Establishes a 13-member Board of Directors with appointments divided among the Mayor of Jackson (3 members plus the Mayor), the Governor (2 members), the Lieutenant Governor (1 member), the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce president, and representatives recommended by Byram and Ridgeland mayors.

Requires the authority to negotiate a lease agreement with the City of Jackson for transfer of water and wastewater system assets, with the lease term continuing until all authority bonds are paid in full.

Authorizes the authority to issue bonds, borrow money, and receive zero-interest loans from the Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvement Board (40-year term) and Department of Environmental Quality (30-year term) with maximum principal forgiveness.

Mandates a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the total board membership for any rate increase or expenditure exceeding $5,000,000.