Federal Excess Personal Property Loan Program Grant

The Federal Excess Personal Property Loan Program enables North Carolina's fire departments to access surplus federal property for fire suppression activities. Through collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, essential equipment such as vehicles, fire trucks, generators, and light towers are loaned to enhance firefighting capabilities. Departments must maintain these items and ensure proper licensing and insurance. This initiative not only supports local fire services but also contributes to community safety and resource efficiency.

The forest products industry is the largest manufacturing business sector in the state, contributing approximately $34.9 billion annually to the state's economy and providing around 148,000 jobs for North Carolinians.
Through a an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, the N.C. Forest Service is allowed to obtain Federal Excess Personal Property from the federal government and loan it to fire departments.
The Forest Service acquires FEPP items from federal agencies when they are no longer needed. The items are then loaned to fire departments for use in fire suppression for as long as they have a need for the equipment. When they no longer have a need for the items, they are returned to the U.S. Forest Service, which may reassign or dispose of them for the federal government.
Fire departments are required to license and insure all vehicles and must maintain the units for fire suppression. Each item loaned under the FEPP program is inspected annually to ensure proper use according to guidelines.
Items available under the FEPP program consist of the following:

• Vehicles - pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, 2½ ton trucks, 5 ton trucks, utility van/box trucks
• Fire trucks, (tankers and pumpers)
• Generators
• Light towers

Eligibility

Fire departments in North Carolina are eligible to apply.