(a) The Governor, on behalf of this state, is hereby authorized to execute a compact in substantially the following form with the States of Louisiana and Alabama; and the Legislature hereby signifies in advance its approval and ratification of such compact, which compact is as follows:

MISSISSIPPI-LOUISIANA-ALABAMA RAPID RAIL TRANSIT COMPACT

ARTICLE I

ARTICLE II

ARTICLE III

ARTICLE IV

ARTICLE V

ARTICLE VI

(1) This compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each party state until the Legislature or Governor of each or either state takes action to withdraw therefrom. However, any such withdrawal shall not become effective until six (6) months after the date of the action taken by the Legislature or Governor. Notice of such action shall be given to the other party state or states by the Secretary of State of the party state which takes such action.

(2) There is hereby granted to the Governor, to the members of the commission for Louisiana, and to the compact administrator all the powers provided for in the compact and in this section. All officers of the State of Mississippi are hereby authorized and directed to do all things falling within their respective jurisdictions which are necessary or incidental to carrying out the purpose of the compact.

(b) Pursuant to Article II of this compact, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi hereby assents to the State of Alabama becoming a party to such compact, subject to ratification by the State of Alabama of the terms and provisions thereof.

(c) Pursuant to Article III of this compact, in the exercise of such other powers as may be appropriate to enable the commission to accomplish its functions and duties and to carry out the purposes of this compact, the name of the commission shall be changed to the Southern High-Speed Rail Commission, subject to ratification by the States of Alabama and Louisiana.