AR HB1677

Appropriates $800,000 to the Department of Rural Services for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other eligible entities for operating costs, construction, improvements, equipment, and maintenance related to fire protection, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and emergency management programs.

Appropriates $20,000 for community improvement grants to counties for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses associated with county fairs and rodeos.

Appropriates $60,000 for grants to fire departments or other eligible entities for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses associated with fire protection.

Allows the Department of Rural Services to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the appropriations without being restricted by requirements applicable to other programs.

Becomes effective July 1, 2011 with an emergency clause declaration based on constitutional prohibition of multi-year appropriations.