Mississippi Code Title 77. Public Utilities and Carriers § 77-13-35. Underground Damage Prevention Fund

(1) There is created an Underground Damage Prevention Fund to be administered and used by the board for the purpose of carrying out its duties under this chapter.  All sources of funds collected by the board under this chapter, including, but not limited to, grants, assessments, and civil penalties collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into the Underground Damage Prevention Fund.  Any monies remaining in the Underground Damage Prevention Fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund, but shall remain in the Underground Damage Prevention Fund for the exclusive use of the board.  The expenditure of monies in the Underground Damage Prevention Fund shall be at the discretion of the board to carry out its duties under this chapter.  Excess funds shall be used for purposes related to buried utility damage prevention, including, but not limited to, public awareness programs, training and education programs for excavators, operators, line locators, and other persons to reduce the number and severity of violations of this chapter.

(2) The Pipeline Safety Division, with assistance from the board, shall apply for all grants, including those awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which may be used to fund the cost of services associated with Section 77-13-29(3), and any such grants received shall be used to pay for such services.