AR HB1547

Appropriates $200,000 each to eight regional economic development districts in Arkansas from the General Improvement Fund for planning and development grants.

Districts receiving funds are: Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Western, West Central, and Central Arkansas Economic Development Districts (total appropriation of $1.6 million).

Grants may be supplemented with federal funds, donations, and unobligated cash income, but cannot use existing agency maintenance and operations funds.

Appropriations must comply with state purchasing law, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization law, and Department of Finance and Administration regulations.

Act takes effect July 1, 2013, with emergency clause declaring the funding essential for agency operations and governmental programs.