The $6 billion budget was set by the lawmakers, who left town July 1, still in a stalemate over the $23 million state budget for the Department of Marine Resources. The lawmakers had planned to return in a week to negotiate DMR’s budget. However, a COVID-19 epidemic at the Capitol has left at least 26 of the legislators and 10 staffers ill. Both the Capitol and Legislature will be closed for at least two more weeks. DMR Director Joe Spraggins, who oversees marine law enforcement and fisheries regulation, said Wednesday that the agency is still operating at a minimum to meet federal mandates, emergency patrols, and rescues. Spraggins stated that most of the 175 employees of DMR are being furloughed until Congress returns and agrees to approve the annual budget. DMR’s patrolling duties are being covered by local law enforcement and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The problem is in the oversight and control of projects that will generate Mississippi nearly $52 million this year in Gulf oil and natural gas revenue. Mississippi, Alabama and Texas each receive money from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, (GOMESA), a revenue sharing programme for Gulf oil and gas producers states. GOMESA funds may be used to support coastal protection, conservation, and restoration projects. In recent years, revenue has increased. DMR and other agencies review projects for GOMESA funds. The governor’s office has final approval. Some GOMESA projects that were funded in the past are now being reviewed by the new governor. Tate Reeves’ predecessors have been questioned about whether they are supporting coastal restoration and protection, or just political pet projects. Millions of dollars in GOMESA funds were granted to construct boardwalks near casinos and a Gulfport aquarium. The tram system was also threatened with being “de-obligated” for failing to meet GOMESA requirements. Other projects that critics claim don’t fulfill the intended purpose have also been funded. Senator Scott DeLano (R-Biloxi) said that many Coast leaders and lawmakers wonder why the Coast is still suffering from ecological problems despite all the funding from GOMESA and BP oil spill settlements. DeLano stated that while all these programs and projects are meant to be used for restoration, there is no central plan to protect or mitigate natural resources. After all the money spent, we still have constant beach closures due to pollution. How is it that we are not able address the problem with effluent or raw sewage entering the Sound? … Instead, we’re building outfalls and boardwalks that do nothing to improve water quality or drainage but only the aesthetics of pipes.” Coast lawmakers led the Legislature to increase oversight and control over GOMESA spending by DMR’s annual budget bill. Reeves saw this as an attempt to give the legislative branch authority it has had for almost 15 years. Reeves stated that House leaders were focusing on earmarking recovery funds for favored projects – a huge change. He also criticized the legislative impasse as preventing DMR from operating. Reeves stated last week that DMR cannot operate without a budget. “It has closed.” DeLano stated that the Senate had agreed to reduce spending control and allow the new governor to “try to fix things”. But House leaders were not satisfied and lawmakers left without passing a DMR budget. DeLano stated that “we’ve given the governor’s office notice that we’re monitoring, but the Senate backed down and agreed to allow him to fix things and in deference of all the other things he’s got right now.” DMR Director Joe Spraggins said Wednesday that the agency responsible for fisheries regulation and marine law enforcement is performing at a minimum to meet federal mandates, emergency patrols, and rescues. Spraggins stated that most of the 175 employees of DMR are being furloughed until Congress returns and agrees to approve the annual budget. DMR’s patrolling duties are being covered by local law enforcement and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Reeves stated that his office had been able to partner with DMR to locate federal and emergency funds in order to continue operating the “critical portion of the agency”. He would also continue trying to keep it afloat. It’s not clear when lawmakers will be able to safely pass a year-end budget. Reeves stated Wednesday that he believes it is too risky for the Legislature to return now to address this issue. It’s unfair to the staff.”