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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session |
Senate: APPROP DPA 9-0-1-0 | 3rd Read 25-2-3-0
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SB 1285: appropriation; wildfire readiness and response
Sponsor: Senator Gowan, LD 19
Caucus & COW
Overview
Appropriates $12,500,000 to the Arizona Department of Forestry & Fire Management (DFFM) to award grants to fire districts for wildfire readiness and response from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2026. Additionally, the bill appropriates $250,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to the Arizona Trail Fund (Trail Fund).
History
DFFM was established to provide for land management and the prevention and suppression of wildland fires on state land and on private property located outside of cities and towns. The State Forester, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, is responsible for the direction, operation and control of DFFM (A.R.S. §§ 37-1301 and 38-211).
Powers and duties of the State Forester and DFFM include:
1) performing all management and administrative functions relating to forestry and wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression activities;
2) maximizing state fire assistance grants;
3) conducting education and outreach in forest communities; and
4) developing and implementing a comprehensive statewide wildfire response plan, including standards for training and certification of fire personnel, apparatus and equipment (A.R.S. § 37-1302).
The Arizona Trail is a designated State and National Scenic Trail that is a non-motorized path that stretches 800 miles across the state from Mexico to Utah. Statute details the duties of the Arizona State Parks Board regarding the trail, including the maintenance, preservation, cooperation and coordination with other agencies for the management of the trail (A.R.S. § 41-511.15) (Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009).
The Trail Fund consists of legislative appropriations and donations for the purposes of maintaining and preserving the Arizona Trail. The General Appropriations Act appropriated $250,000 from the state GF to the Trail Fund in FYs 2020 and 2023 (Laws 2019, Chapter 263)(Laws 2022, Chapter 313).
Provisions
1. Appropriates $12,500,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to DFFM to award grants to fire districts for wildfire readiness and response. (Sec. 1)
2. Requires DFFM to allocate the appropriated monies as follows:
a) equally to each of the five fire management districts designated by DFFM;
b) to fire districts that are currently designated by DFFM as fire cooperators; and
c) to purchase type 3 and type 6 fire engines and tactical water tenders. (Sec. 1)
3. Appropriates $250,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to the Trail Fund. (Sec. 2)
4. Exempts the Trail Fund appropriation from lapsing. (Sec. 2)
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8. SB 1285
9. Initials BSR Page 0 Caucus & COW
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