This grant program provides funding to assist communities in wildland/urban interface areas in reducing their wildfire risk.
Please download a copy of the 2008 Firewise Community Grant Application for more information. For additional suggestions in preparing a grant for your community, please download a copy of Suggested Guidelines for Preparing a Firewise Community Grant.
Program Objectives:
* Provide cost-share funds for fire mitigation and Firewise activities.
* Foster closer working relationships with fire departments, communities, counties and interested organizations.
* Educate the public about the benefits of the fire mitigation and Firewise programs.
* Reduce the risk and effects of wildfire in wildland/urban interface areas.
* Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for each community.
Project Match Requirements:
* All project applicants must provide a match of 20 percent of total project costs with non-federal or in-kind contributions. Other federal funds cannot be used as a match for this grant.
* Cash purchase matches are direct, out-of-pocket expenditures for eligible project activities that are supported by paid invoices, cancelled checks, signed receipts or official payroll records.
* In-kind contribution matches include on-hand supplies, third party donations of supplies or equipment, professional services at the professional rate, or time spent by employees, non-federal grants or volunteers on eligible project activities. Volunteer hours may be applied to the project at rates appropriate to the skill level of the volunteer and/or the nature of the work being performed. Assistance provided by federal employees may not be claimed as match.
* Grantees are required to maintain project records in accordance with all applicable federal regulations. This includes: (1) records shall comply with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) records will document allowable costs; (3) records will be supported by source documentation, such as cancelled checks, paid invoices, payroll records, time and attendance records, signed contracts; and (4) records will be maintained for three years following payment.
Kentucky Firewise Community Grant Program
Eligible Projects:
* Development of local Firewise Councils or Boards.
* Completion of a community wildfire hazard assessment and CWPP. Click here for the most current list of communities that have completed their CWPPs.
* GIS mapping of at-risk communities.
* Consulting services to complete a community wildfire hazard assessment or a community Emergency Action Plan.
* Firewise or fire mitigation activities that follow the intent of the National Fire Plan.
* Firewise or fire mitigation educational activities or materials that can be used to educate the community.
* Signage to identify roads and residences.
* Mechanical removal or reduction of hazardous fuels.
* Firewise or fire mitigation research applicable to Kentucky.
* Fuel treatments that increase a community’s defensible space, which could include the leasing or contracting of equipment and other resources to complete an eligible project.
* Putting in new dry fire hydrants as part of a comprehensive project.
Grant applications are due into the Frankfort Office by July 15 and successful applicants will be notified by August 1. For more information contact Jennifer Turner at 502-564-4496 or e-mail jenniferl.turner@ky.gov.
2007 Firewise Cost-Share Grants Awarded
Cunningham Fire Department (Carlisle County) - $15,250
Fogertown Volunteer Fire Department (Clay County) - $20,000
Green County Fire Department - $39,000
Hacker Volunteer Fire Department (Clay County) - $20,000
Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department (Fleming County) - $16,000
Muses Mill Volunteer Fire Department (Fleming County) - $25,000
North East Rowan County Firewise Council - $37,000
Poplar Springs Volunteer Fire Department (Casey County) - $20,000
Route 504 Volunteer Fire Department (Elliott County) - $40,000
Summersville Volunteer Fire Department (Green County) - $20,000
Taylor County Fire Department - $20,000
