OFFICE OF GOVERNOR MATT MEAD
State Capitol
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Ph. (307) 777-7437

May 27, 2011

******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******

Contact:
Renny MacKay
Communications Director
renny.mackay@wyo.gov

Governor Mead announces Funding Process for Rural Fire Districts impacted by Energy Development

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead is announcing that grant funding is available for rural fire districts in southeast Wyoming if those districts are impacted by mineral exploration and production.  The Governor’s Office created the Rural Fire Districts Supplies and Equipment Program using a $1,000,000 legislative appropriation. This program will assist rural fire districts in Goshen, Laramie, Niobrara and Platte Counties.

Program grant funding will be awarded to the rural fire districts that are most impacted by mineral exploration and production and those that are in the counties that have the greatest financial need. Grant funding requests are limited to the purchase of supplies and equipment necessary to the standard operation of the rural fire district to mitigate the impacts of mineral exploration and production. Only individual items that are less than $20,000 will be considered for funding under this program and funding is capped at $400,000 for any individual county.

“The state needs to continue to find ways to get out in front of energy booms,” Governor Mead said. “I appreciate the Legislature funding this effort and making our rural communities in the southeast safer.” 

Rural fire districts in Goshen, Laramie, Niobrara and Platte Counties may submit a request for a grant to their county commissioners. Rural fire districts are encouraged to consolidate their requests into a single application for consideration by their respective county commissions. 

There are three separate application deadlines. June 30, 2011, September 30, 2011 and December 30, 2011. A rural fire district can apply for any one of those deadlines. Applications received by the Governor’s Office will initially undergo a review by the Office of State Lands and Investments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The agency review will refer to a standard pricing guide for equipment and supplies for eligible fire districts.  

"Some of the poorest rural fire districts in the state are experiencing substantial impacts from the Niobrara shale play and many are ill equipped,” said Representative Matt Teeters. “It will be some time before these districts begin to receive tax moneys from any development. This appropriation was a modest attempt to help fill that gap."

For more information or to download an application, please go to the Governor’s website at http://governor.wy.gov/Pages/default.aspx. For process information, contact Shelly L. Andrews, Budget Advisor, Office of the Governor at (307)777-8214/e-mail: shelly.andrews@wyo.gov. For technical information, contact Ron Graham, Fire Management Officer, Office of State Lands and Investments-Wyoming State Forestry Division at  (307) 777-3368/e-mail: ron.graham@wyo.gov.