Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-17: Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-17

The Southern Rail Commission is granted the authority to execute and enter into contracts with parties for the purpose of construction of any related infrastructure and/or operations of intercity passenger rail service subject to the approval of any affected railroad and other interested party. The Southern Rail Commission is granted the authority to prepare grant applications related to the establishment or maintenance of passenger rail service, enter into operating and other contractual agreements with providers of passenger rail service, and enter into agreements with owners or operators of railway tracks in order to provide for upgrades necessary to establish or maintain passenger rail service.