Vermont Rural Fire Protection Program

How it works

The Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force funds projects that improve rural fire suppression capabilities in Vermont communities. The program’s stated mission is to help local fire departments reduce injury, loss of life, and damage to property and natural resources.

What the money covers

The program says its priority is the installation of new dry hydrants and other types of rural water supplies. It also funds:

• Repair, upgrade, replacement, or relocation of existing rural water supplies, whether or not they were previously grant funded
• Drafting site development, including access improvements and stepping stones for portable equipment

Amounts and matching

• Maximum grant award: $10,000 per project/system
• Local match required: 25% of total project cost
• The program notes the maximum grant could be as much as $20,000 if the project meets other criteria such as project cost, type, and date completed
• Match may be met through cash contributions and/or in-kind services such as labor, materials, and equipment usage

How to apply

• Complete one application per proposed installation
• Include any cost estimates and/or descriptions you have for the project
• Email or mail the application to the program address listed in the packet
• If approved, and after sites have been assessed, designed, and estimated, two signed agreements are required:
  • Landowner authorization if the project is on privately owned land
  • A grant agreement between the town or fire department and VACD that outlines the project implementation plan, final award amount, and approved budget

Timing and deadlines

• Application deadlines are April 1, June 1, and August 1
• Applications are processed in the order received
• Project completion requires expense documentation, copies of invoices and receipts, photos before/during/after completion, a public announcement or news article, and a final inspection
• Final inspection includes a maintenance log started with results from the first back-flush and test of the system, proper guard posts, signage, painting of any exposed PVC pipe, and any other site-specific requirements such as water source capacity and access