Wildfire Mitigation Incentives for Local Government

Incentives for Local Government Grant Program FAQs

Is there a cap on the amount of funding that can be awarded to an individual project or local government?
No. As long as the applicant provides sufficient match requirements and the funding is available, there is no cap.

How can I determine priority area or rank on the social vulnerability index if the local government does not have a specific project area but intends to use the funding for approved efforts throughout the jurisdiction of the local government (i.e. for outreach efforts throughout the county)?
If the funding is to be used throughout the territorial boundary of a local government for community-wide efforts (ex: outreach and education) where a specific project area can’t be defined, the boundary of the local government can be used to determine SVI rank and priority areas. If all or a portion of the territorial boundary falls within a high priority area or an area having fewer economic resources, the local government can claim those in the match requirements and application.

Can this funding be used to purchase equipment used for forest management or wildfire mitigation efforts?
Yes, capacity building projects are eligible (See Section I. “Project Prescription and/or Capacity Building” of the application for required details related to capacity building)

Can this funding be used for CWPP creation or other planning efforts?
Yes, CWPP work and other planning efforts may be eligible (See Section I. “Project Prescription and/or Capacity Building” of the application for required details related to planning efforts)

Is capacity building for increased staffing eligible?
Yes, and local governments who show a commitment to make available dedicated and full-time employees to collaborate with private landowners to implement wildfire mitigation measures will be given additional preference. (See Section I. “Project Prescription and/or Capacity Building” of the application for required details related to increased staffing)

Will in-kind count towards match requirements for this grant?
No, In-kind will not count as match. Since the intent is for the local government to create and maintain a dedicated revenue source it must be a cash match from that dedicated revenue source.

Can another entity serve as the fiscal agent?
Yes, eligible applicants may have another entity (even if that entity is not a “local government”) act as the fiscal agent however, the match requirements (and all other grant requirements) must be met by the local government not the fiscal agent. Keep in mind the intent of the Grant Program and ensure this is also the intent of the entity applying.

How long is “long-term” when referring to a dedicated revenue source on a long-term basis?
“Long-term” is not defined in this Grant Program. The intent of the local governments creating a “long-term” funding source is toensure that there is a commitment to provide a reliable revenue source for forest health and wildfire risk mitigation efforts in years to come. Revenue sources that will only fund efforts for a year or two would not be considered a long-term revenue source. Keep in mind the intent of the Grant Program which is to get the local governments on the right track to becoming more self-sufficient and not reliant on grant funds or other entities to fund their work.

Can Title III funds be used as match?
Typically, since Title III funds are able to be allocated to multiple different efforts (wildfire risk mitigation, emergency services, other community projects, etc.) determined by the local government, rather than specifically dedicated to wildfire risk mitigation only, they would not be allowable as match. In some cases, Title III funds may be eligible to be used as match if the local government has (or creates) an agreement (such as an MOU/ letter from the county commissioner) committing these funds to be used only for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts, as defined in the ILG Grant criteria, on a long-term basis, and won’t be reallocated to other efforts (emergency response services, other community projects, etc.). If applicants are trying to use Title III funds, get in touch with Kahla prior to submitting application to determine eligibility. Kahla.montrose@colostate.edu

Is grant management and tracking reimbursable?
Yes, grant funds can be used for personnel time spent on grant management and tracking.