AR HB1608

Appropriates $15,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund for Planning and Development Grants administered by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Allocates $15,000,000 each to eight regional economic development districts: Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Western, West Central, and Central Arkansas Economic Development Districts.

Waives matching fund requirements otherwise required by Arkansas Code 14-166-202 through 14-166-205 for these planning and development district grants.

Requires the agency director to notify the Speaker of the House at least 30 days before distributing funds, including recipient names, addresses, and distribution amounts.

Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2013, stating the appropriations are essential to agency operations and compliance with state fiscal control laws is required.