Arizona Post-Wildfire Infrastructure Assistance Program

The Arizona Post-Wildfire Infrastructure Assistance Program was established in response to a severe wildfire season that impacted the state in 2021, particularly in the Gila County area. On June 18, 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2001, which allocated $100 million to address both wildfire prevention and recovery efforts. Of this total, $10 million was earmarked specifically to assist private and public landowners in repairing infrastructure damaged by wildfires or suppression activities that occurred on or after July 1, 2020. Administered by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), this program is intended to offer timely, needs-based assistance to impacted individuals and organizations whose damages were not sufficiently covered by insurance or federal aid. The primary purpose of the program is to support the recovery and rebuilding of infrastructure critical to managing urban, rural, agricultural, cultural, and natural resources. Eligible projects include the repair or replacement of physical systems such as fencing, piping, water tanks, electrical systems, sewer systems, bridges, roads, and communication systems. However, funding cannot be used to replace personal property, undertake general maintenance, or replace infrastructure that was already in poor condition prior to the wildfire event. Large equipment purchases are generally discouraged unless clearly justified as essential and cost-effective. Applications were accepted starting August 20, 2021, and funds were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until fully expended. Applicants needed to submit their proposals electronically via the DFFM portal and demonstrate that all other sources of reimbursement had been exhausted or were unavailable. Proposals required the completion of an organization profile, detailed project and budget forms, and submission of supporting documents including a project map and a self-attestation of eligibility. Applicants could request a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $500,000, with the potential for partial funding based on assessed need and availability. While the program did not mandate a cost share or match, applicants were encouraged to include matching contributions to improve competitiveness. These could be financial or in-kind and must be directly related to the fire damage incurred after July 1, 2020. Awarded projects were expected to be completed within 24 months of receiving the grant, although exceptions were considered for larger or phased projects. The program allowed for a 50% upfront drawdown and the remaining 50% to be reimbursed upon completion, ensuring access to immediate resources while maintaining fiscal accountability. Proposals were evaluated on relevance, technical merit, cost-effectiveness, budget clarity, and the presence of matching or in-kind contributions. Strong emphasis was placed on demonstrating unmet need, a clear recovery plan, and the inability to pursue the project without DFFM funding. Evaluation did not follow a set schedule; rather, awards were issued within 15 business days of receiving a complete and satisfactory application. As of the latest information, the program is no longer accepting applications, and all available funds have been awarded. The program offered significant support to both public entities and private landowners (indirectly through fiscal sponsors) and reinforced the state’s commitment to resilience and recovery in the face of escalating wildfire risks. For questions, interested parties were directed to contact the Forestry Grants Manager at [email protected] or call (602) 761-0285.

Include matching contributions to strengthen application; clearly demonstrate that the infrastructure damage was not covered by other funding sources and is wildfire-related.