The Department of the Interior has announced that over $20 million is now available to strengthen local governments' wildfire response efforts. This funding is part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda and aims to assist small, remote emergency response agencies by converting vehicles into wildland fire engines. The pilot program, initiated in February, seeks to expand firefighting capabilities amid challenges posed by climate change, drought, and increasing wildfire incidents.
Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the urgency of enhancing firefighting resources: "Our nation experienced unprecedented wildfire activity this year, further demonstrating the need to expand our firefighting capacity and better equip local governments." She noted that the program underlines the administration's commitment to providing necessary resources for rapid responses when communities face wildfire threats.
Local governments serving populations of 50,000 or less can utilize these funds to purchase slip-on tanker units. These units enable quick conversion of trucks and other vehicles into wildland fire engines. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates a total of $50 million for this initiative, with up to $20 million available in this second round of funding. In September, nearly $1.3 million was awarded to 21 initial local emergency response agencies.
The Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program aims to enhance coordination between the Interior Department, states, and local communities against the growing threat of wildfires. This improved collaboration aligns with recommendations from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission's final report released in September 2023. Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Commission proposed 148 recommendations for improving federal policies on wildland fire management.
This funding is part of over $1.1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated since 2021 towards mitigating wildfire risks on public and Tribal lands while supporting wildland firefighters.
Grant amounts will range from $10,000 to $500,000 with applications due by February 26, 2025.
