Bill that would have spent BP money on state's roads likely dead

A bill that would have used BP disaster money for roads and bridges all over the state may have died Friday.

The bill passed the House 101-20 but was held on a motion to reconsider. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jeff Smith, R-Columbus, did not bring the bill up again but it is still on the House calendar until Monday.

It would have put $50 million of the $150 million the Legislature will receive this year from BP into a special bond-sinking fund to pay debt service on loans used for repair or replacement of roads and bridges.

It would have then put $20 million in each year thereafter through 2033 as more money comes in from BP.

"Through a unified effort, the Gulf Coast legislative delegation is working hard to keep the settlement money in South Mississippi, where it belongs," Rep. Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi, said in an email. "From the day the settlement was announced, people from across the state have tried to claim a portion of these damages monies. Fortunately, many of our colleagues sympathize with the people in South Mississippi who were directly affected by the oil-spill disaster. We thank them for their continued support."

DeLano said South Mississippi has often helped other areas of the state cope with disasters and the rest of Mississippi has returned that favor. But South Mississippi has never tried to get a share of disaster relief intended for other parts of the state.

"With respect to the oil spill, all we want is for the settlement money to go to the communities directly impacted by this unfortunate disaster," he said. "We appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Speaker Phillip Gunn, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, and Gov. Phil Bryant to help South Mississippi's economy recover from the oil spill disaster."

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 9:33 PM with the headline "Bill that would have spent BP money on state's roads likely dead ."