Mississippi officials met yesterday to discuss the well-known House Bill 1630, related to the utilization of casino taxes for maintaining roads and bridges across the state.
During the meeting, a considerable progress has been made towards the bill’s final approval.
Lawmakers settled around the idea of using the money for completing projects aimed at improving the infrastructure. This, therefore, would enhance players’ access to local casino venues.
Up to now, the money generated by casinos has been directly transferred to the state Department of Transportation and the amount was spent as officials considered appropriate.
According to the information released, after the aforementioned meeting the sum of $200 million was proposed for bridge and road maintenance.
Initially, the proposed sum was twice as high and amounted to $400 million. However, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Jeff Smith, commented on the matter and said that the sum was so greatly reduced due to the opposition of Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. Back in 2012, Mr. Reeves announced that he would not support any bond bill.
As for House Bill 1630, Mr. Smith said that it is related to Senate Bill 2906. The latter ensures borrowing authority for colleges and universities. Although the final version of the bill has not been compiled yet, people familiar with the matter expect that it may happen today.
Mississippi Senators gave their consent to yesterday’s conference agreement. The next step is the bill to receive the approval of the House members and next, Governor Phil Bryant has to back it.
Yet, Rep. Richard Bennett admitted that House representatives were still attempting to make amendments before giving their approval.
The bill proposes $18 million to be set aside for the establishment of a bridge over the Vicksburg Southern Railway. According to Mr. Reeves’ announcement, the bill also proposes $20 million to be invested into the repairment of bridges in the counties where casinos are located. However, his announcement met the opposition of the members of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors who said that the proposal basically designates money for road maintenance.
In the original House Bill, it was suggested that $7 million should be set aside for aiding the tourism sector and supporting the casino industry and making additional amenities.
No projects were scheduled for four other casino counties – Hancock, Coahoma, Tunica, and Adams. However, preference will be given to the repairment of deficient bridges in casino counties and also on roads in neighboring counties, which lead to casinos.
The CEO of Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau, Webster Franklin, commented that Mississippi officials should focus on popularizing the tourism sector especially at a time when the gambling business is declining.
