AR SB417

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Rural Services from the General Improvement Fund for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other eligible entities.

Funds may be used for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses for public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, fire protection facilities, and cemeteries.

Appropriations are not restricted by requirements applicable to other programs currently administered by the department, and new rules and regulations may be adopted to carry out the appropriation.

Institutions and agencies may supplement State Treasury funds with grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income to finance project costs, but existing maintenance and general operations funds cannot be diverted to these purposes.

Effective July 1, 2015, with an emergency clause declared due to the constitutional prohibition on multi-year appropriations and the need for immediate agency operation.