Mississippi Department of
Marine Resources
Tidelands Trust Fund
Tidelands
What is the Tidelands Trust Fund?
The Tidelands Trust Fund, which is comprised of funds derived from the lease of tidelands and submerged lands, is administered by the Department of Marine Resources as mandated by the state law. The guidelines for administering these funds, as stated in Title 29, Section 15, of the Mississippi Code of 1972, are as follows:
"Any funds derived from lease rentals of tidelands and submerged lands, except those funds derived from mineral leases, or funds previously specifically designated to be applied to other agencies, shall be transferred to the special fund. However, funds derived from lease rentals may be used to cover the administrative cost incurred by the Secretary of State. Any remaining funds derived from lease rentals shall be disbursed pro rata to the local taxing authorities for the replacement of lost ad Val orem taxes, if any. Then, any remaining funds shall be disbursed to the commission for new and extra programs of tidelands management, such as conservation, reclamation, preservation, acquisition, education, or the enhancement of public access to the public trust tidelands or public improvement projects as they relate to those lands."
What are Tidelands?
Those lands which are daily covered and uncovered by water by the action of the tides, up to the mean line of the ordinary high tides.
Apply for Consideration of Tidelands Funds
For further information regarding Tidelands Leases, Boundary distinctions, etc. please
visit the Secretary of State's Web site at http://www.sos.state.ms.us/PublicLands/Tidelands/ 
Click here more information on:
Tidelands Trust Fund History
Upcoming Events and Current News
Tidelands Application
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comments or questions.