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S 10096

Establishes the volunteer fire infrastructure and response equipment (V-FIRE) grant program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Hinchey

Creates the V-FIRE grant program to fund capital projects for volunteer fire departments’ facilities and equipment across New York.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 10096

Summary of Bill S. 10096 (2025-2026 Session) – New York

Title

Establishes the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure and Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program.

Purpose and Intent

To create a state-administered grant program within New York’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) to support capital projects that sustain or enhance fire prevention, response operations, and related infrastructure and equipment for volunteer fire departments and eligible entities.

Key Provisions

  • Program Establishment and Administration

    • Creates the V-FIRE grant program within OFPC.
    • The program is administered by the Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES).

  • Grant Scope and Types

    • Grants are capital grants to support projects that enhance fire prevention and response services infrastructure and equipment.
    • Eligible project categories include:
    • Eligible facility projects: acquisition, construction, renovation, rehabilitation, and leasehold improvements of fire department buildings, training facilities, and related infrastructure (including electrical upgrades as infrastructure).
    • Eligible equipment projects: repair, enhancement, and installation of equipment for fire prevention and response (e.g., vehicles, firefighter rehabilitation equipment, communications technology, and other safety equipment).

  • Funding Process

    • Grants awarded on a competitive basis in each grant application cycle.
    • The DHSES Commissioner provides updates on cycle timing, funding levels, and other relevant details prior to each cycle.

  • Eligible Applicants

    • Entities located within New York State that serve one or more municipalities within the state.
    • Eligible entities include fire departments, municipalities, counties (with conditions), and multi-municipality collaborations.

  • Application Cycle Details

    • Each cycle supports both facility and equipment projects.
    • The Commissioner must publish a report within 30 days after each grant cycle ends, available on the agency website, detailing:
    • Total available funding for the cycle.
    • Number of applicants and, for each applicant, the number of active/inactive firefighters and the amount requested by project type and by county.
    • List of awardees, including the served fire departments, municipalities, counties, and the total amount awarded by project type and county.

  • Definitions and Terminology

    • Available funding: Total appropriation for the V-FIRE program, including per-project maximum awards.
    • Eligible equipment project: Projects supporting equipment for operation and safety (vehicles, rehab equipment, communications tech, etc.).
    • Eligible entity: Fire departments, municipalities, counties (with approvals), or two or more municipalities applying for a shared project.
    • Eligible facility project: Building-related projects for services to the community, including training facilities; electrical upgrades may count as infrastructure.
    • Fire department: A volunteer-only fire department or nonprofit fire company that provides protection to one or more municipalities in the state (may require additional pre-qualifications).
    • Grant application cycle: Timeframe from application opening to 60 days after award decisions.

  • Effective Date

    • The act takes effect April 1 of the year following enactment.
    • Immediate authority to adopt rules/regulations necessary for implementation, with those rules effective by the date the act becomes law.

Potential Impact

  • Strengthens capital investments in volunteer fire infrastructure and equipment across New York.
  • Enables shared funding opportunities for multi-municipality or county-wide projects.
  • Increases transparency by requiring post-cycle reporting on funding, applicants, and awardees.
  • Encourages modernization of facilities and technology essential for fire prevention and response, potentially improving service capacity and safety for communities served by volunteer departments.

Administrative Notes

  • Housekeeping: The bill is introduced by Senator Hinchey (co-sponsored by Michelle Hinchey) and referred to the Finance Committee.
  • Effective immediately upon enactment for rulemaking, with general operative date April 1 next succeeding enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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