FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM

Alaska fire station grants require matching funds

Beginning July 1, 2026, Alaska creates matching grants to build or renovate eligible fire stations. Individuals or entities responsible for these projects can apply under department rules. Applicants must provide at least 50% of total project costs. Each eligible applicant can receive no more than $10 million per fiscal year. State money cannot cover the match except community assistance, specified shared fisheries business taxes, and commercial passenger vessel overnight-accommodation taxes. The department sets award priorities by regulation and awards grants in that order. Priorities must consider public safety, emergency needs, and enough future revenue to operate and maintain stations without state aid. They must also consider preventive maintenance plans and adequate replacement-cost property insurance or an adequate insurance program. A review panel includes the community and regional affairs director or designee, another department employee, and an Alaska-registered architect or engineer. It also includes two statewide fire chiefs association members without applications under review in that grant cycle. The department can suggest project changes to save money or better serve the public, but applicants must agree. A new grant fund holds legislative appropriations, and unused money stays available in later fiscal years. The department can spend that money on matching grants without another appropriation; lawmakers can also appropriate income earned by the fund. Each fiscal year, the department must use at least 50% of the fund's balance from the previous June 30 for grants. The law sets no total funding amount.