Mississippi Code Title 59. Ports, Harbors, Landings and Watercraft § 59-17-17

On the receipt of an application from any county or agency authorized under the laws of the state of Mississippi to operate or support a port or harbor project, or any part thereof, the board shall cause an independent determination and appraisal to be made of such analysis and survey, and the plan for the improvement, operation, development and expansion of such port or harbor, or any part thereof, and if the board shall find and determine that the plan for the improvement, operation, development or expansion of such port or harbor, or any part thereof, is practical and feasible and is in the public interest, and that such port or harbor, or any part thereof, can be operated economically under state ownership, and that the revenues therefrom would be sufficient, over a period of time, to make such ownership and/or operation by the state self-liquidating, then the board, in its discretion, may negotiate with such participating counties as required by this chapter or other authorized agency on the terms of an agreement for the acquisition by the state of such port or harbor, or any part thereof. The board may modify the proposed plan for the improvement, operation, development or expansion of such port or harbor, or any part thereof, and may impose such terms and conditions as, in its discretion, it may require to protect the interest of the state. Any agreement reached between the board and the participating counties, or other authorized agency, shall be reduced to writing.