Purpose:
The Rural Fire Capacity Grant Program provides funding to organize, train, and equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress fires.
Description:
Cost-share funds will be awarded to local governments to provide assistance to rural areas in upgrading their capability to organize, train, and equip local forces for fire protection. Awards will be limited to a minimum of $500 and a projected maximum of $20,000.
Further assistance may be provided through loans from other sources of Federal funds for purchase of major items of equipment and facilities.
Proposed projects should be compatible with existing protection of state, county, and local areas. Communities or agencies imposing strict boundary limits, i.e., excluding rural residents will not be considered in this program.
The use of funds for new fire engines and other vehicles are not allowed. However, the cost of the conversion of vehicles obtained through the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) to water tenders, engines, brush trucks, and equipment trucks may be funded under the RFC grant.
Training of local fire forces in both wildfire and structural fire techniques is a primary goal of this grant. The program should include a basic training program of at least 40 hours. In addition, an advanced training course of at least 40 hours should be developed.
Communications, for alarm systems and dispatch capabilities, should be considered an integral part of the rural fire department. Funds are available for the development and purchase of radio equipment for dispatching centers, vehicles and alert monitors, and pagers.
Requests for construction projects of any type are NOT fundable.
Requests for HAZMAT, extrication, rescue, medical aid, and other non-fire training costs or materials are NOT fundable.
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