AR HB1459

Appropriates $64,000,000 total from the General Improvement Fund to eight regional economic development districts in Arkansas, with $8,000,000 allocated to each district.

The eight districts receiving funding are: Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Western, West Central, and Central Arkansas Economic Development Districts.

Allows districts to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income, but prohibits use of existing Maintenance and General Operations appropriations for these purposes.

New rules and regulations may be adopted to implement the appropriations without restriction by requirements applicable to other programs currently administered.

Effective July 1, 2015 with emergency clause declaring necessity for immediate operation of agencies receiving appropriations.