AR HB1578

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Arkansas Department of Transportation from the State Highway and Transportation Department Fund for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, betterments, replacement, and operation of roads, bridges, ferries, and other transportation facilities to facilitate economic development.

Transfers $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the State Highway and Transportation Department Fund, effective upon the bill's enactment.

Prohibits awarding contracts or incurring obligations exceeding available State Treasury funds, but permits the department to accept and use federal grants, donations, and unobligated cash income to supplement state funds for project financing.

Requires strict compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and other applicable fiscal control regulations during fund disbursement.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2021, citing the constitutional one-year appropriation limit and the essential nature of these funds to agency operations.