DMR: no new project funding this year; $80–85 million expected to carry to next year; Bonnie Carey fishermen aid underway

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources told commissioners June 17 that the state Legislature authorized funds to operate the agency and cover bond debt but did not allocate new project funding for the current year; staff said roughly $80.84 million to $85 million is being held to support projects next year.

"Now we, we don't have any additional funds this year for, Go Mesa as far as, any projects. The legislature decided to hold that out to next year," the director said, adding the agency will present the projects to the Legislature and the governor next year for consideration.

Staff also discussed leasing authority changes: a recently changed Senate bill (staff could not recall the exact number) altered leasing rules so the agency no longer must lease 80%; department staff said the agency now has authority to lease up to 80 percent, providing additional flexibility as the Hoenn Group conducts stakeholder meetings on lease opportunities.

On disaster assistance, the department reported progress on the Bonnie Carey program rounds for 2019 and 2020. Staff said the 2019 Bonnie Carey round has 226 certified applicants and 17 new applicants are qualified for the 2020 round; the 2020 round focuses on oystermen and shrimpers and is approximately a $3 million pool. Staff said application intake continues through the end of the month.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about expected checks and allocations; staff said the timing and amounts will depend on later legislative and executive action.

The department also reported personnel updates (new law enforcement hires and accounting staff) and that interns have begun work at DMR.