The Wildfire Resilient Communities Act would fund projects that remove or change flammable vegetation and woody debris on certain federal lands. The work could include prescribed burns, thinning, brush removal, pruning, and other methods chosen for each site. Agencies would prioritize projects near at-risk communities or high-value watersheds, in areas with very high wildfire hazard, or in certain fire regimes. The bill also provides funding for community wildfire defense grants, changes the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, and creates a fund for counties where certain federal forest contracts take place.
The bill directs federal agencies to carry out fuel-reduction projects and adds funding for community wildfire defense grants. Counties with qualifying forest contracts could receive payments and use them for any governmental purpose. The bill does not specify particular projects or payments for individual residents.
The bill requires a $30 billion transfer from the Treasury for federal-land projects, available until spent. Up to 10 percent may go to administration and planning. It authorizes $3 billion for community wildfire defense grants for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. It also sets annual funding of $100 million for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program beginning in fiscal year 2026, and establishes county payments tied to qualifying forest contracts.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.