Legislative Services

Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (HB 2604)

Program assists volunteer fire departments (VFDs) with purchase of equipment and training. Typically, $17 million in grant funds are available each year.

A new grant category will soon be made available to reimburse VFDs for the purchase of volunteer recruitment resources at 100% of the actual cost, not to exceed $3,000 per department. This pilot project aims to help rural volunteer fire departments bolster staffing and enhance community fire protection. Upon receipt of certain federal funding being provided by the U.S. Forest Service, the grant opportunity will be made available to eligible VFDs.

Date Available: 30 days prior to a funding meeting (at least 3 per year)
Date Due: All unfunded applications are rolled forward to next funding meeting

FY 2023 Funding Meeting #3 - Tentatively Scheduled for Aug. 23, 2023