MS HB849

Creates the Mississippi Emergency Drinking Water Network Grant Program administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to provide equipment and training for maintaining water service during infrastructure failures

Authorizes fixed grants to all 82 county emergency management agencies for bulk potable water truck transport equipment, training for first responders and water operators, and establishing water distribution points

Requires MEMA to directly acquire and strategically place transfer pump systems across the state and develop deployment operations plans and training programs

Limits MEMA administrative expenses to 2% of appropriated funds and requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature by October 1 on expenditures

Funds come from federal ARPA Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds with expenditure deadline of December 31, 2026, or the federal ARPA deadline, whichever is later