Mississippi lawmakers are considering a bill to create an Energy Infrastructure Fund aimed at supporting energy projects across the state. The Mississippi Development Authority says the fund would help develop infrastructure for approved projects and improve long-term energy readiness at key industrial sites.
The bill, House Bill 1393, was drafted at the request of the Mississippi Development Authority and Governor Tate Reeves’ office. It would establish a fund to provide grants, loans, and other financial assistance to promote energy development in Mississippi.
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently passed an amended version of the bill, but members questioned the need for the measure. Senator Briggs Hopson, a Republican and chairman of the committee, said he had previously opted not to take up a similar bill because the legislature already allocates $18 million to the site development grant fund. He added that the Mississippi Development Authority and Reeves want to keep the bill alive and available for consideration.
Bill Cork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, told Magnolia Tribune that the fund would help build infrastructure for approved energy projects and improve the marketability of potential economic development sites by acquiring facilities and equipment approved by the agency.
The original House version of the bill passed unanimously in early February. The amended version is now on the Senate calendar and could be taken up later this week.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
