(1) The Mississippi State Highway Department is hereby authorized, in the event private donations are made available therefor, to erect an appropriate commemorative sign at the state hospitality station located on federal Interstate Highway 20 east of Meridian, Mississippi, to read as follows: “WELCOME TO MISSISSIPPI BIRTHPLACE OF JIMMIE RODGERS THE FATHER OF COUNTRY MUSIC”Such sign shall be attractive and designed to invite and encourage tourism and recreation in the state.
(2) The Mississippi State Highway Department is hereby authorized to accept and expend private donations for the purchase, installation and maintenance of the sign authorized hereunder. No state funds shall be expended for such purpose.