The Department of the Interior announced nearly $1.3 million in awards through a pilot program aimed at enhancing local governments' wildfire response by converting vehicles into wildland fire engines. Authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program assists small, remote emergency response agencies in expanding their wildfire response capacity amidst the increasing impacts of climate change, drought, and intensifying wildfires.
“As the nation contends with devastating wildfires, the Interior Department is furthering our commitment to support local interagency partners as we work collectively to better prepare for and address these dangers,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Many of our state and local partners are the first to respond when wildfires ignite near their communities. This pilot program, supported by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, is bolstering their ability to respond quickly when a wildfire starts.”
The funding was awarded to 21 local emergency response agencies across 10 states. These recipients serve communities identified as having a moderate to high wildfire risk by the Wildfire Risk to Communities tool. Local governments providing emergency services to areas with populations of 25,000 or less are eligible for grants ranging from $10,000 to $200,000.
The Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program aims to strengthen coordination between the Interior Department, states, and local communities in addressing the growing threat of wildfires. Improved collaboration is emphasized in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission’s final report released in September 2023. The Commission was tasked with recommending improvements to federal policies related to mitigating, suppressing, and managing wildland fires in the United States.
Increasing resilience against wildfires is critical for communities nationwide. The funding announced today is part of nearly $1.1 billion allocated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law since its enactment to address wildfire risk on public and Tribal lands and better support federal wildland firefighters.
A second round of grant opportunities will be announced this fall with additional details posted in the Federal Register.
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