AR HB1574

Appropriates $400,000 to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission from the General Improvement Fund for grants to cities, counties, planning and development districts, and eligible entities.

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.

Appropriations are not restricted by requirements applicable to other programs, and the Commission may adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this act.

Authorizes recipients to supplement state funds with federal grants, donations, and unobligated cash income, provided that existing maintenance and operations funds are not diverted for these purposes.

Declares an emergency clause making the act effective July 1, 2015, based on constitutional restrictions limiting appropriations to one-year periods and the essential nature of these funds to agency operations.