AR HB1665

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Rural Services for grants to counties, municipalities, and eligible entities for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance of public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, and cemeteries.

Director of the agency must notify the Speaker of the House of Representatives at least 30 days before distributing any funds, providing the name, address, and amount for each grant recipient.

Appropriations are not restricted by requirements applicable to other programs, and new rules and regulations may be adopted to implement the General Assembly's intent regarding fund distribution.

Funds may only be awarded up to the amount of State Treasury funds actually available, but eligible institutions may supplement with federal funds, grants, donations, and unobligated cash income to cover project costs.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2011, with an emergency clause declaring the immediate implementation essential to agency operations.