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Trust fund leaders say $37.3M in state dollars leveraged into $127M for outdoor projects
Summary
Officials overseeing the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund told a joint legislative hearing the program has obligated $37.3 million in state dollars and leveraged roughly $127 million in total project value since the fund’s 2022 start, and outlined application rounds, outreach plans and a 2% administrative cap under the enabling law.
Drew St. John, chairman of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, told a joint Senate–House hearing that the fund has obligated $37.3 million in state appropriations and used those dollars to leverage about $127 million in project value across the state.
The fund, created by House Bill 606 (2022), has run three application rounds and funded projects ranging from small accessibility improvements to large land-protection and education efforts, St. John said. “The Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund is Mississippi’s best kept secret,” he told legislators.
Why it matters: The fund is designed to amplify state dollars through matching funds and partnerships, supporting conservation, wildlife management, nature-based recreation and landowner assistance across Mississippi. Officials described efforts to expand applicant capacity, increase match rates and keep administrative costs within a statutory cap.
St. John, who said he became chairman last August, described projects the board has…
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