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Bountiful approves $281,600 FEMA-backed fuels-reduction work in five city parks
Summary
The City Council authorized $281,600 in contracted fire-fuel mitigation work to be performed in five Bountiful park sites under a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award; the city expects 75% reimbursement and must close the grant by January 2026.
The Bountiful City Council on April 22 approved a $281,600 contract with Diamond Tree for fire fuel mitigation work in five park locations, with the city to seek 75% reimbursement through a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award.
City staff said the work is being done under a 2021 FEMA HMGP grant originally for $430,008.93. To date the city has received reimbursement for $114,002.13, and staff told the council the grant has been extended and must be closed out by January 2026.
Galen Rasmussen, who presented the item, said the work will focus on Creekside Park, North Canyon Park, Rocket Park, Agate Park and Mueller Park Junior High. The contract total for the five locations is $281,600; when the city spends the money it will be reimbursed at 75% by FEMA, according to Rasmussen. He said the work will mostly remove already fallen or dead material and create defensible space around fences and structures.
A council member asked whether crews would be removing trees already down or cutting healthy trees; Rasmussen replied much of the work is removing down material and clearing within a 10-foot area of fence lines to provide a fire break, and staff identified a small number of dead and fallen spruce trees that will be removed.
A motion to approve the fuels-reduction project passed unanimously. The motion's mover was not specified in the transcript; it was seconded by Councilman Murray.
Why it matters: The work is intended to reduce fire risk in city parks and nearby properties and to allow the city to recover most project costs from FEMA. The January 2026 grant closeout date is the city’s stated deadline for spending and claiming reimbursement.
What’s next: Staff will contract with Diamond Tree to schedule and perform the mitigation work and then submit expenditures to FEMA for reimbursement.
