HB 21-1042

Abstract

The bill establishes the water storage tank wildfire mitigation grant program (grant program) within the forest service. Grant recipients may use grant money to purchase water storage tanks for wildfire firefighting efforts. The grant program only awards grants to entities that are an agency of local government, a county, a municipality, a special district, a tribal agency or program, or a nonprofit or not-for-profit organization that is registered and in good standing with the secretary of state's office. In awarding grants, the forest service considers the potential impact of additional water storage tanks in the applicant's jurisdiction or area. Grant recipients are required to report to the forest service, and the forest service is required to annually report on the grant program to the wildfire matters review committee. The bill also creates the water storage tank wildfire mitigation cash fund. Money in the fund is used to implement the grant program. The general assembly is required to transfer $5 million into the fund beginning September 1, 2021, through and including the 2024-25 fiscal year. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)