AR HB1678

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Economic Development Commission from the General Improvement Fund for grants to fire departments, cities, counties, and planning districts.

Eligible uses include fire protection, land acquisition, construction, renovation, equipment purchase, industrial site development, intermodal facilities, rail spur construction, road and highway improvements, environmental mitigation, and water and sewer system improvements.

Prohibits restrictions on appropriations beyond those applicable to other programs and allows the Economic Development Commission to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the act.

Requires strict compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, and other fiscal control laws unless specifically exempted by law.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2013, citing the constitutional prohibition on multi-year appropriations and the need for immediate agency operation.