AR SB618

Appropriates $100,000 to the Department of Rural Services for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other eligible entities in counties with a population of 380,000 or more.

Authorized grant funds may be used for fire protection, operating costs, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses for public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, and cemeteries.

Allows the Department of Rural Services to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the appropriation without restriction from requirements applicable to other programs currently administered.

Permits agencies to supplement state funds with grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income for projects, but prohibits using existing Maintenance and General Operations funds for these purposes.

Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2011 to ensure the appropriation can be immediately applied to essential governmental programs.