AR SB473

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.

Eligible uses include operating costs, 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 intent of the General Assembly.

Disbursements are limited to State Treasury funds actually available and must comply with state purchasing, accounting, and budgetary procedures laws unless specifically provided otherwise.

Effective date is July 1, 2015, declared an emergency due to the constitutional requirement that appropriations not exceed a one-year period.