Secretary Vilsack says the funding will prioritize 21 high-risk areas.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that an additional $500 million will be put toward fighting wildfires in 2024. The majority of the funding comes from allocations granted under both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which grant the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the means to protect 21 high-risk areas. The remainder of the funding is from the U.S. Forest Service, which Secretary Vilsack says will make a large impact in upcoming wildfire fighting efforts.
“This is allowing us to begin to expand beyond… the 21 priority areas into areas which we refer to as the wildland-urban interface,” Secretary Vilsack said. “This is going to allow us with $100 million to help build local capacity to provide tools and resources so that we can provide those communities with assistance and help to reduce the risk of fire as it relates to their community.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chief Randy Moore as he heads the U.S. Forest Service.
- For Secretary Vilsack to be discerning as he leads the USDA.
- For U.S. officials to be wise in their efforts to prevent wildfires.
Sources: The Hill, Department of Agriculture
