Bill > HR582

This bill establishes a comprehensive Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help communities prepare for and mitigate wildfire risks. The program will provide grants up to $10 million for eligible entities like states, tribes, local governments, and fire departments to develop and implement community wildfire resilience plans. These plans must be collaboratively developed with local stakeholders and include strategies such as improving early detection technology, addressing vulnerable populations, hardening critical infrastructure, creating defensible space around homes, and educating community members about wildfire preparedness. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct studies on existing wildfire protection programs, potential community resilience certifications, and insurance incentives. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a map of at-risk communities and requires a report on radio communication interoperability for wildfire management. The program is funded with $1 billion annually through 2029, and grant recipients must provide a 25% cost share, with potential waivers for low-income communities. The bill aims to enhance community preparedness and resilience in areas prone to wildfires by supporting comprehensive, collaborative planning and infrastructure improvements.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/582/all-info