Ellington

On Tuesday, one of the bills Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour signed into law expands tourism sales tax incentives to casinos for developing resorts and tourism projects unrelated to casino activities. The projects can include theme and water parks, museums and sports facilities, among others.

House Bill 1467 is an amendment to current law that mandates minimum private investments of $10 million, with additional investment required for some entities such as hotels.

Proponents of the bill expect the new projects to repay the tax breaks by creating new jobs and increasing tourism.

"This bill allows Mississippi tourism to take another big step in enhancing our appeal to visitors," Barbour told the Sun Herald. "As we know, once people step foot in Mississippi, they fall in love with its beauty and the hospitality of its people."

House Gaming Chairman Bobby Moak, D-Bogue Chitto, told the Sun Herald that the bill will help projects all over the state, not just the Gulf Coast.

"From the top of the state all the way down to the Coast, it is good for the state," Moak said.