2015 Mississippi Code
Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY
Chapter 5 - FISH, GAME AND BIRD PROTECTION AND REFUGES
POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION ON WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS
§ 49-5-71 - Acquisition and disposition of real and personal property; easements and rights-of-way

(1) The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is hereby authorized to acquire interests in real estate and personal property through purchase, donation, bequest or devise in furtherance of the purposes of Sections 49-5-61 through 49-5-85 and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of law. The commission is authorized to approve land or real estate suitable for such purposes as eligible for the income tax credit authorized under Section 27-7-22.22.

(2) Before such real estate is purchased or leased, the fair market value of such real estate shall be determined by the averaging of at least two (2) appraisals by Mississippi Certified General Appraisers. Such appraisals shall be paid for by the State of Mississippi.

(3) The commission is hereby authorized to obtain abstracts and surveys, and to engage the services of attorneys to conduct the above described transactions. The commission is authorized to obtain title insurance on property purchased if, in the opinion of the commission, the best interests of the State of Mississippi would be served.

(4) In order to carry out its management responsibilities over all state lands which are now or may hereafter come under its jurisdiction, the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to grant easements and rights-of-way over and across any part of such state lands. Such easements and rights-of-way may be granted for such consideration, and upon such terms and conditions, as the department may deem to be in the best interest of the state, consistent with the use of such lands for recreational purposes. Any easement for a utility line shall be granted for that period of time which the department deems to be in the best interest of the management of such lands.