Mississippi funds its development agency and tourism programs

The law provides $22,530,799 from the General Fund and up to $296,325,957 from state treasury funds for the Mississippi Development Authority. The funding is for the Mississippi Development Authority. The amounts are for the agency’s expenses, including operating its divisions. The funding covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The law sets aside money for tourism promotion, grants, and several named Mississippi organizations and programs. The allocations support tourism, economic development, and the named organizations and programs. Tourism promotion money cannot be spent on cultural exchange programs. The $299,000 tourism grant allocation is included in the $4,876,298 set aside for tourism advertising and promotion. Other allocations include $14 million for Mississippi Site Development Grants, $1,017,000 for Innovate Mississippi, $500,000 for the Mississippi Main Street Association, and $100,000 each for the Mississippi Delta and Mississippi Hills National Heritage Areas. These allocations apply during fiscal year 2027, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Mississippi Development Authority may provide operating support to a National Park Service park in Mississippi. This applies to any park operated by the United States National Park Service in Mississippi. Support is allowed during a federal government shutdown that materially affects the park’s operations. The authority applies during a shutdown that materially affects park operations.