HB1089
An Act For The Department Of Commerce - Arkansas Waterways Commission Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Waterways Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It establishes a maximum number of employees for the commission, including a Director, Business Operations Manager, and Research Project Analyst. The bill allocates funds for regular salaries, personal services matching, and maintenance and general operations. Additionally, it appropriates significant amounts for the Waterway Development Grant Program and for expenses related to the Arkansas River Navigation System. These appropriations are intended to support port development projects and the improvement of river transportation resources. The bill also includes standard clauses regarding compliance with other fiscal control laws and legislative intent. An emergency clause is included, declaring the act necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety, making it effective from July 1, 2025.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the employees of the Arkansas Waterways Commission, who will receive salaries and benefits, and the general public through the commission's operations. Port authorities and intermodal authorities within Arkansas stand to directly benefit from the substantial appropriation for the Waterway Development Grant Program, which will fund port development projects. Businesses and industries relying on river transportation, as well as the broader economy of Arkansas, could benefit from the allocated funds for the development, improvement, and expansion of the Arkansas River Navigation System.
Who Might Suffer?
From a neutral perspective, this bill focuses on appropriation and does not appear to directly negatively impact any specific groups or entities through restrictive measures or penalties. The financial impact is on the state budget, which is funded by taxpayers, but the bill itself does not identify specific negative impacts on any particular segment of the population. The direct recipients of the funds are governmental bodies and programs, and any negative impacts would likely be indirect, such as potential diversion of funds from other state priorities or the general fiscal implications of state spending.