AR HB1546

Appropriates $200,000 to the Economic Development Commission from the General Improvement Fund for capital improvement grants to cities, counties, planning and development districts, and other eligible entities.

Grant funds may be used for land acquisition, construction, renovation, equipment purchase, industrial site development, intermodal facilities including ports and rail spurs, road and highway improvements, environmental mitigation, and water and sewer system projects.

Exempts the appropriation from restrictions applicable to other programs and allows the Economic Development Commission to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the intent of the appropriation.

Requires all disbursements to comply with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and other applicable fiscal control laws and regulations.

Establishes July 1, 2013 as the effective date and declares an emergency to ensure immediate operation of the agency programs funded by this act.