KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Department of Agriculture opens application process for wildfire defense grants

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included a billion dollars for the Community Wildfire Defense Program, which issued its first round of grants last year.

The Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, will take applications for a new round.

Last year, Gila County received more than $300,000 in grant money from the program, which offers assistance to rural and tribal communities at high risk for wildfire.

The funding can be used to help residents protect structures, create fire resilient landscapes or programs to reduce their risk.

Arizona foresters say the state has a high number of rural areas that face moderate to high chances of wildfire.

The agency will accept applications for 90 days.

Ron Dungan was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2020 to 2024.