Texas communities facing the looming threat of wildfires now have the opportunity to apply for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant, administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. With the application period open until Oct. 31, 2023, this grant program seeks to assist communities at risk in planning and reducing wildfire danger.
Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, authorized in Public Law 117-58, the grant provides financial support for two main goals: the creation or revision of Community Wildfire Protection Plans, and the implementation of projects within a plan that’s less than a decade old.
Priority will be given to areas with a high or very high wildfire hazard potential, as well as low-income communities and those impacted by severe disasters.
Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief, emphasized the importance of advance preparation. “Ensuring that Texas communities have the right tools and resources to act in the best interest of their residents is important to our agency. This is a service we provide to communities across the state every day,” he said.
Eligible entities include local governments representing communities at risk of wildfires, Native American tribes, non-profit organizations (including homeowner associations), and state forestry agencies. They may seek grant funding for projects conducted on various types of land, including local, state, tribal, and privately owned lands, provided the project directly reduces the community’s wildfire risk.
The Community Wildfire Defense Grant offers up to $250,000 for the creation or updating of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan and up to $10 million for projects described within such a plan that’s less than 10 years old. All applicants must adhere to the cost-sharing requirements, not less than 10 percent for plan development or revision, and not less than 25 percent for project implementation.
Bruce Woods, Texas A&M Forest Service Mitigation and Prevention Department Head, highlighted the proactive role of the agency, noting the technical support offered to communities throughout the application process.
Potential applicants are encouraged to attend Community Wildfire Defense Grant Webinars scheduled on Aug. 4, 9, 10, and 15 at 1 p.m. CST. Registration details can be found on the Forest Service’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants.
Further information about the Community Wildfire Defense Grant and community-specific wildfire risks can be found at fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants and https://texaswildfirerisk.com, respectively.
