JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $40,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) FOR THE NORTHEASTERN FOREST FIRE PROTECTION COMPACT (Appropriates the sum of $40,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.)

Plain-English Summary

This bill is a joint resolution that would direct $40,000 in state funds to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The money is specifically intended to cover Rhode Island's membership and participation costs in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact, a regional agreement among northeastern U.S. states and Canadian provinces that coordinates forest fire prevention and firefighting efforts across state and national borders.

The Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact is a long-standing cooperative arrangement that allows member states to share resources, equipment, trained personnel, and information when dealing with forest fires. By pooling resources, members can respond more effectively to large or widespread wildfires than any single state could on its own. Rhode Island's $40,000 contribution would help fund this shared regional system.

This bill primarily affects Rhode Island's state budget and the operations of the DEM's forestry and fire management programs. Indirectly, it benefits Rhode Island residents — particularly those who live near forested or wooded areas — by helping ensure the state maintains access to regional firefighting support and resources. It also supports the broader network of neighboring states that rely on mutual aid during fire emergencies.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee, where lawmakers will review the proposed spending before it can move forward in the legislative process.