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Committee reviews requests for wildfire response, water rescue and emergency broadcasting funding
Summary
The committee considered funding requests for wildland fire capacity, urban search-and-rescue water teams and community radio emergency broadcasts; members emphasized capacity shortfalls after recent extreme weather and the value of local broadcast for emergency communications.
The House Committee on Government Operations & Military Affairs reviewed separate but related requests intended to strengthen emergency response and communications.
Committee members discussed a Wildland Fire Program package that includes capacity-building across the state; the committee noted one proposed vehicle could represent about $275,000 of a roughly $2.75 million package, but the budget language did not consistently specify which line items included apparatus. Members agreed the program addresses capacity shortfalls observed in the recent wildfire season and flagged a follow-up with Deputy Secretary Martin to clarify the truck line item.
The committee also discussed Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operations that support water and technical rescues. Members recalled that federal grants previously supported some USAR funding; testimony indicated federal grant support has declined and that USAR programs are now seeking additional state support. Committee members said USAR teams provide interstate mutual-aid deployments during extreme weather and flooding.
Separately, the Vermont Broadcasters Association asked for $250,000 to support community radio stations statewide, with the stated goals of expanding local programming and preserving an emergency broadcast option for areas that lose internet or cell service. Members noted community stations can relay shelter locations and other real-time emergency information when other systems fail.
Committee members generally supported bolstering emergency-capacity funding while requesting clarification on exact line-item amounts and sources in the budget language.
