AR SB491

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Rural Services for grants to county libraries in counties with populations less than 30,000 and towns with populations less than 10,000 for acquisition, construction, improvements, equipment, and renovation.

Appropriates an additional $1,000,000 to the Department of Rural Services for grants to county libraries for acquisition, construction, improvements, equipment, and renovation associated with library services.

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

Permits recipient institutions to accept and use grants, donations, and Federal funds to supplement State Treasury funds for project costs, but prohibits using maintenance and general operations funds for these appropriated purposes.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2011, stating the appropriations are essential to agency operations and delaying implementation would cause irreparable harm to governmental programs.