AR SB609

Appropriates $2,000,000 to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission from the General Improvement Fund for Connect Arkansas Project grants.

Funds may be used for personal services, operating expenses, maintenance, renovation, equipping, construction, acquisition, improvement, upgrade and repair of real property and facilities for the Connect Arkansas Project.

Allows the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the intent of the appropriations without being restricted by requirements applicable to other programs.

Permits agencies to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income for financing project costs, but prohibits using maintenance and general operations funds for these purposes.

Declares the act effective July 1, 2015 as an emergency measure necessary for essential governmental program operations.