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COLLEGE STATION, Texas — This summer has seen some of the costliest wildfires in Texas in years, and with climate change fueling hot and dry conditions, that’s likely to remain a risk going forward. Now, eligible communities in Texas can apply for a federal grant under Texas A&M Forest Service to mitigate against risks caused by wildfires.
The Community Wildfire Defense Grant offers financial assistance to at-risk communities for mitigation projects and Community Wildfire Protection Plans. This grant is meant to provide funding for these plans as well as implement projects that are under 10 years old.
“The Community Wildfire Defense Grant offers high-risk communities a way to improve their mitigation planning efforts,” said Alex Bregenzer, Texas A&M Forest Service Community Wildfire Protection Plans program coordinator. “These types of mitigation efforts are reducing wildfire risk across the state at a time when human-caused wildfires are an ever-present threat to our communities.”
At-risk communities are prioritized and have been identified as one in an area with high wildfire hazard potential, low income and/or have been impacted by severe disaster.
“Our personnel at Texas A&M Forest Service are taking a leadership role in the administration of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant in Texas,” said Bruce Woods, Department Head of Mitigation and Prevention. “We stand ready to offer technical support and subject matter expertise to communities throughout the grant application process.”
Entities eligible to apply for funding under this grant include local government representing at-risk communities, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations and state forestry agencies. These applicants can apply for grant funding for a project proposal if it directly reduces wildfire risk to the community. There is no minimum federal funding limit for the projects. The maximum amount of funding awarded for a project is $250,000 for the creation or development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and $10 million for projects under 10 years old.
Potential applicants are encouraged to attend the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Webinar for more information on Aug. 9. Instructions can be found here. The application period closes Oct. 7, 2022.
