SB71 Summary

• Appropriates $2,078,098 from the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account for the Arkansas Geological Survey's personal services and operating expenses for fiscal year 2016-2017, including $1,308,038 for regular salaries and $12,000 for extra help.

• Establishes a maximum of 27 regular employees for the Survey's State Operations division, including positions such as State Geologist ($100,016), Senior Petroleum Geologist, GIS Analysts, Professional Geologists, and administrative staff.

• Authorizes up to 20 part-time or temporary employees ("Extra Help") for State Operations and allocates funds for specific programs including Water Quality Program ($19,500), Stream Gauging ($23,000), Ground Water Survey ($31,711), and Mineral Exploration ($26,000).

• Appropriates additional funds for specialized programs: $219,406 from federal funds for the State Geologic Mapping Program, $36,000 for State Farm Grant earthquake awareness activities, $9,025 for the Geology Museum, $63,149 for the Board of Registration for Professional Geologists, and $110,000 for Geological Research on Landslides/Sinkholes.

• Includes $100,000 appropriation from the Geology Map Resale Revolving Fund and declares an emergency clause for the bill to take effect on July 1, 2016.