Forestry Grants Available For Rural Fire Fighting Equipment

GREENBRIER - The Arkansas Forestry Commission has announced that it has $250,680 to grant to rural fire departments for the purchase of fire fighting equipment.

This money is authorized under the Volunteer Fire Assistance Act, and the National Fire Plan, according to Robert Summerville, Rural Fire Protection Administrator.

Arkansas State Forestry officials administer the program, which provides 50-50 cost-share grants (grants will be matched by time from the AFC) to volunteer fire departments to purchase fire-fighting equipment. The purpose of this program is to train and equip local forces to prevent, control, and suppress fires in rural areas. No matching funds will be required by the Fire Departments this year. They will request $1,000 in equipment, and they will be awarded $ 1,000 if approved.

State Forestry employees solicit cost-share grant proposals from fire departments that serve communities of 10,000 people or fewer, review the grant proposals, and consider statewide needs when determining awards. The U.S. Forest Service provides the funding and oversight for the program.

Applications from qualifying communities will be taken by Forestry Commission offices from June 7 to July 6. All grants will be given on a 50-50 matching basis. The grant money will be used primarily for the purchase of fire fighting equipment, excluding vehicles and buildings.

Contact Eric L. Curl at the Arkansas Forestry Commission District 7 office at P.O. Box 1290, Mountain View, AR 72560; (870) 269-3441 or (870) 269-5007.