Arizona receives $10 million from infrastructure law to reduce wildfire risk

PHOENIX — Arizona will receive over $10 million from the 2021 infrastructure law to reduce the risk of wildfires on nearly 10,000 acres of land across the state, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced Monday.

The funding will help increase fuel treatments in areas with high wildfire hazards, which will protect homes, businesses and public drinking water.

Money will also go toward continued development of a wildlife risk mapping and mitigation tool.

“As climate change drives harsher heat waves, more volatile weather and record drought conditions, we are seeing wildfire seasons turn to wildfire years, threatening communities, businesses, wildlife and the environment,” Deputy Interior Secretary Tommy Beaudreau said in a press release.

“Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are investing in Arizona communities, advancing wildfire resilience work across the country, improving resources for the heroic firefighting workforce and reducing the risk of wildfire.”

The efforts will be carried out by members of Arizona tribal communities, youth and veterans, according to the release.

In total, the Department of the Interior was allocated $103 million earlier this year to mitigate wildfire risks nationwide.

The department in April released a five-year plan to implement changes and reduce the risk of blazes.

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