Agency: Department of Agriculture – Forest Service
Description:
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program, formerly known as the Rural Community Fire Protection program, provides technical assistance and cost-share grants of up to 50% to volunteer fire departments that cover communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer people. According to the Forest Service, grants focus on increasing the capacity of local fire departments to provide initial attacks on wildfires by providing training and funding to purchase equipment.
Bill Section:
Division J
New or Existing:
Existing
Potential Cost:
$20,000,000
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
In FY22, Forest Service allocated $3.22 million for program funds, $0.64 million for general program support, and remaining funds for administrative expenses and oversight: Source
TCS Notes:
Salary, Expense, and Administration limited to 3% of appropriated funding
Other TCS Resources:
Clearing the Smoke: A Closer Look at Federal Spending and Programs on Wildfire