AR SB589

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Arkansas Heritage for matching grants related to African American Arkansans heritage.

Matching grants may fund construction, improvements, renovation, equipping, supplies, upgrades, operating expenses, and maintenance for historical monuments, markers, structures, tours, and documents.

Department may adopt new rules and regulations to implement the appropriations without restriction by requirements applicable to other programs.

Agencies may supplement state funds with grants, donations, and federal funds, but existing maintenance and general operations appropriations cannot be used for these purposes.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2015, and is declared an emergency measure necessary for essential government operations.