JACKSON – Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said he has reviewed the law concerning the City of Jackson’s current water bond issue and he has advised city and state officials accordingly.
Section 44 of House Bill 1701, passed in 2010, authorizes the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to provide interest-free loans to the City of Jackson to assist in paying for repairs and improvements to the city’s water and sewer system in close proximity to the state capitol complex.
“The Executive Branch cannot ignore the laws passed by the Legislature,” said Attorney General Hood. “However, in this case, it appears the Legislature has granted discretion to the Mississippi Development Authority to provide the City of Jackson the loan for water infrastructure.”
The total amount of the loans may not exceed $6 million, and the time allowed for repayment cannot exceed seven years.
However, Hood said the statute also requires the City of Jackson to submit an application to MDA for such loans, which they have not done.
Until the City of Jackson applies for the funds, and MDA approves the application, the Bond Commission cannot act.
“I have made myself and my staff available to help the city to do what is necessary under the law to seek these bonds,” Attorney General Hood said. “I have also made a request of the Governor and Treasurer that they agree to call a special meeting to take any actions necessary to include these bonds on the September meeting agenda. I hope that we can all agree that improvements to the city’s water and sewer systems will positively impact the business of the State offices located in and near the capitol complex.”
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