AR HB1704

Appropriates $64 million total from the General Improvement Fund to eight Economic Development Districts in Arkansas, with $8 million allocated to each district.

Funds support grants for fire departments, emergency services, Boys and Girls Clubs, senior centers, recreation facilities, police departments, parks, water/wastewater projects, schools, libraries, and various other community organizations and governmental entities.

Prohibits administrative fees, matching fund requirements, and deductions that would reduce the full amount of funding available to recipients.

Requires compliance with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, and fiscal control laws in fund disbursement, while allowing recipient agencies to supplement with federal funds and donations.

Takes effect July 1, 2017, with an emergency clause declaring the appropriation essential for agency operations.