Rural Fire Protection Program funding clears hurdle
Funding differences between the House and the Senate concerning the Rural Community Fire Protection (RCFP) program were recently addressed during a conference of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriation Subcommittee. The program was funded at $1.3 million last year. The House version of the current bill originally called for $2 million; the Senate measure proposed $1.285 million. Fire Caucus member Rep. Jim Walsh (NY-25), a proponent of the increased funding, is vice chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies and served on the conference committee.
The RCFP would improve the capability and effectiveness of rural fire departments. It provides cost-share grants to rural volunteer fire departments for training, equipment, and organization.
According to Bill Webb, CFSI executive director, the subcommittee`s action “certainly seems to indicate a resurgence in congressional support of the program U.” He noted that the future of the program had been in question in recent years, in which a “drastic decline in funding” was seen. Webb indicated at press time that final action on the bill was expected within several weeks. The National Volunteer Fire Council, also a strong proponent of this program, has set $10 million in annual funding for the program as a long-term goal.
For additional information on the measure`s final status, contact Bill Webb, CFSI, at (202) 371-1277.
