HARRISBURG — Applications are now available for federal grants to help Pennsylvania’s rural communities better guard against the threat of fires in forested areas.
Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said the program is administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and applications are due by May 18.
The grants, made available in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are available to rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funds may be used for the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment, wildfire protective gear, wildfire prevention and mitigation, wildfire training, mobile or portable radios and installation of dry hydrants.
The funds may also be used for conversion and maintenance of federal surplus property vehicles. The vehicles are presented to local departments exhibiting the greatest needs and those that commit to outfitting them for fire suppression.
Financial assistance on any project during any fiscal year cannot exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures, including those of local, public and private nonprofit organizations participating in the agreement. The maximum grant that will be considered is $7,500 ($15,000 total project) per fire company.
To expedite the application process, DCNR is accepting only online applications for the program. For complete grant guidelines or to apply, visit www.RepCauser.com.
