Virginia local governments would compete for fire grants if funded

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs would award competitive grants for firefighter staffing. Local governments could hire additional full-time firefighters, move part-time or volunteer firefighters into full-time jobs, or recruit and retain volunteers. Awards would depend on available money, with grant amounts set in the state budget. Grants would cover no more than 75 percent of hiring costs, including pay and benefits, in each of the first two years and 35 percent in the third year. At least half of each year's staffing grant money would go to departments with mostly or entirely volunteer personnel. Applicants would explain why they need state help and how they would retain firefighters after grants end. Grants would add to existing funding rather than replace it unless a hardship waiver applies. At application, local firefighting spending must be at least 80 percent of its average over the previous three fiscal years. The department could waive this rule, the funding replacement ban, and hiring-cost limits for demonstrated economic hardship.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs would award competitive grants for fire and emergency medical vehicles, equipment, and facility improvements that protect workers' health and safety. Local governments could seek grants for vehicles, equipment, and safety improvements to fire and emergency medical facilities. Awards would depend on available money, with grant amounts set in the state budget. Local governments must contribute local money equal to at least 15 percent of the grant. Applicants would explain why they need state help and how they would maintain services after grants end. Grants would add to existing state and local funding rather than replace it. The department could waive this rule and the spending threshold for demonstrated economic hardship. The department would consider improvements to daily operations and protection of lives and property, along with local risks, service demand, and equipment needs. At application, local spending on firefighting or emergency medical services must be at least 80 percent of the previous three fiscal years' average funding for both services, unless the department grants a hardship waiver.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs would publish grant rules, measure results, and report annually to the Governor and General Assembly. Oversight would cover both staffing grants and equipment and facility grants. Reports would list grants and approved amounts, explain how results are measured, and evaluate each grant. If a recipient does not substantially follow grant terms, the department could revoke or suspend some or all funding or require repayment. Annual reports would begin November 1, 2027.