MississippiHB 17162026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program Act; revise certain provisions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Grant amounts and local match rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, grants are paid by reimbursement and are capped at $500,000 per community each year. Cities or groups in places with 10,000+ people must provide at least a 20% local match. In places under 10,000, the match is 10% on the first $100,000 requested and 20% on any amount above $100,000. Matching funds must be cash on hand or pledged in a support letter and set aside for the project; no state funds can count. The required match is not reimbursed.

New fund and program administration rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates the Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program Fund. The fund is separate from the General Fund, does not lapse at year end, and keeps its interest. Money is available to MDA for grants when the Legislature appropriates it, and MDA may use up to 2% for administration. MDA can partner with colleges, historical groups, agencies, and nonprofits to run the program. Property interests bought under the program can be transferred to the state or local governments to preserve and maintain downtown sites, and MDA helps with those transfers.

Who can apply and how projects rank

Beginning July 1, 2026, more groups can apply for Main Street grants. Eligible applicants include MMSA Designated Communities with 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) status; Network and Associate communities; cities, counties, and qualifying business improvement districts. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) takes applications, sets priorities with the Mississippi Main Street Association, and sends a suggested list to the Legislature by each December. If you applied but did not get a grant last year, you get priority this year. MDA uses clear criteria like local need, public benefit, preservation best practices, capacity, geography, and timely completion.

What grant money can pay for

Beginning July 1, 2026, you can use grant money to buy land and improvements, preserve historic downtown buildings and sites, and boost downtown economies. Grants can also cover property you bought within 12 months before you apply, as well as planned purchases. The purchase must help preserve and revitalize a historic downtown.

Stronger oversight and help for projects

Beginning July 1, 2026, grantees must follow state procedures and provide any audits and financial statements the state requires. Projects involving historic properties must follow all preservation laws and Mississippi Department of Archives and History rules. For work tied to protecting or interpreting historic sites, MDA may require you to get technical help from the Mississippi Main Street Association. MDA also provides administrative help to support proper grant management.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sam Creekmore IV
House

Cosponsors

Omeria Scott
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 343 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2026

Passed