AR HB1718

Appropriates $335,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Economic Development Commission for grants to cities, counties, planning and development districts, and other eligible entities.

Eligible project uses include land acquisition, improvements, construction, renovation, major maintenance, equipment purchase, industrial site development, intermodal facilities, rail spur construction, road and highway improvements, environmental mitigation, and water and sewer system construction.

Allows recipient institutions and agencies to accept grants, donations, and Federal funds to supplement State Treasury funds for project financing without restricting Maintenance and General Operations appropriations.

Requires strict compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and other applicable fiscal control laws in fund disbursement.

Declares emergency effective date of July 1, 2011, stating that delayed effectiveness could cause irreparable harm to essential governmental programs.