JACKSON ‑ The Mississippi Legislature has voted to send over $500,000 to local municipalities and other entities in Choctaw County to help fund various projects.
Often jokingly referred to as a “Christmas tree” bills, Capitol leaders tend to use bonded debt to dole out money for pet projects across the state as a way to curry favor with local favors.
With the state coffers are awash in excess revenues, lawmakers decided to use cash to fund the projects this year.
“We’re not incurring any debt,” Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann told reporters on April 5. “Over the next two years, we will write off approximately half a billion dollars in debt in Mississippi, making our financial statement very strong for this year and for every year in the future.”
Here is a list of projects in Choctaw County for which state lawmakers allocated money. All are funded as part of House Bill 1353:
• Fire Departments in Choctaw County — $200,000 to be distributed equally among these fire departments to assist in paying various department costs: Chester Volunteer Fire Department, Sherwood Volunteer Fire Department, Reform Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Ackerman Fire Department, Bywy Volunteer Fire Department, Simpson Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Weir Fire Department, Panhandle Volunteer Fire Department, Union Volunteer Fire Department and Town of French Camp Fire Department
• Town of Ackerman – $200,000 to assist in paying costs associated with street repairs, resurfacing and improvements
• American Legion Post 82 in Ackerman — $25,000 to assist in paying costs associated with the post building and post activities
• VFW Post 5569 in Ackerman — $25,000 to assist in paying costs associated with the post building and post activities
• Town of French Camp – $100,000 to assist in paying the costs associated with sidewalk repairs, lighting and improvements for the town's Historic Downtown District and School Street
