AR HB1694

Appropriates $150,000 to the Department of Rural Services from the General Improvement Fund for grants to counties, municipalities, subdivisions, and other eligible entities for public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, and cemeteries.

Authorizes the Department to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the appropriations without being restricted by requirements applicable to other programs.

Permits recipient institutions and agencies to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income for project financing.

Requires strict compliance with state purchasing, accounting, budgeting, and fiscal control laws in disbursement of appropriated funds unless specifically exempted by law.

Establishes July 1, 2011 as the effective date and declares an emergency due to the state constitution's one-year appropriation limit and need for immediate governmental program operation.