AR HB1614

Amends Arkansas Code § 19-5-905 to authorize annual transfers of up to $50,000,000 from the Securities Reserve Fund to the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program Fund, contingent upon available moneys.

Establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program Fund as a special revenue fund on the books of the State Treasurer, Auditor, and Chief Fiscal Officer to be administered by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.

Creates the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program within the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to provide matching grants to eligible water and sewer treatment facilities for infrastructure and improvement projects that are shovel ready.

Requires the Commission to create application forms, establish eligibility criteria, devise application and review processes, define grant award procedures, execute grant agreements, and promulgate necessary rules for program implementation.

Declares an emergency due to the dire need to protect public health and safety by replacing water and sewer lines in disrepair and providing access to clean water systems, making the act effective upon gubernatorial approval or veto procedures.