SB209 Summary

• Appropriates $21,775,827 for Department of Parks and Tourism State Operations for fiscal year 2015-2016, including $14,839,738 for regular salaries and $5,705,170 for personal services matching.

• Authorizes 788 maximum regular employees and 802 temporary/part-time employees across various classifications ranging from Director positions ($130,000) to support staff positions.

• Appropriates additional funds from multiple sources: $51,991,293 from Conservation Tax; $228,278 from Tourism Development Trust Fund; $694,073 for Keep Arkansas Beautiful; and $34,479,171 from Parks Cash Fund Operations.

• Allocates $14,728,449 for Tourism Promotion activities, $7,844,651 for Outdoor Recreation Grants, and $1,006,614 for Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program.

• Requires Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee prior approval for Special Maintenance expenditures and park budget allocations; authorizes department to fund small festivals in Arkansas communities under 10,500 people with $150,000 annually.