1. (1) The Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation Fund may be used to pay the costs of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation projects and activities related to wildfire hazard reduction within the State, including the costs of a Participating Entity.
2. (2) To receive funds from the Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation Fund, a Participating Entity or division program shall submit an application to the division demonstrating a project or activity with a clear connection to reducing wildfire risk to the Wildland-Urban Interface through a prevention, preparedness, or mitigation project or activity.
3. (3) Applications shall be submitted through the Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation Fund application, published on the division's website.
4. (4) The division shall publish a deadline for applications on the division website.
5. (5) The State Forester shall assign a Review Committee to review and prioritize applications.
6. (6) The Review Committee shall evaluate applications based on the applicant's eligibility, the merit of the proposed project or activity, and the criteria established by the division.

7. (7) Applications shall be reviewed and prioritized based on the following criteria:

   1. (a) The Review Committee shall prioritize applications for projects and activities:

      1. (i) Located in areas of higher wildfire risk to the Wildland-Urban Interface;
      2. (ii) Proposing higher levels of reduction of wildfire risk, hazard, or effects;
      3. (iii) Proposing to utilize Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation funds as a match for federal grants or other funds; or
      4. (iv) Furthering the priorities of Utah's Forest Action Plan.
   2. (b) The division may provide further guidance on prioritization by posting additional criteria on the division's website.
8. (8) Based on its evaluation of applications, the Review Committee shall make a recommendation to the State Forester regarding disbursements of funds.
9. (9) The State Forester has the discretion to approve or deny an application.
10. (10) Disbursements from the Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation Fund shall be made by written order of the State Forester or the State Forester's authorized representative.

KEY: WUI; prevention; preparedness and mitigation fund

Date of Last Change: January 21, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 63A-8-215