Investment contributions for the procurement of disaster response equipment for fire departments

In Vorarlberg, the state supports the procurement of disaster response equipment for fire brigades through a direct subsidy from the Disaster Fund. The funding aims to significantly strengthen operational readiness in events such as floods, avalanches, landslides, or rockfalls. Within the thematic area of disaster protection and labor & social affairs, a budgeted volume of 2.65 million euros is available. Eligible applicants include interest groups or other associations, public institutions, as well as companies; specifically, in the fire brigade sector, this means the state fire brigade association, municipalities, and company fire brigades. Applications can be submitted annually by August 31 to the Vorarlberg state government.

Both standard and special equipment are funded with a subsidy rate between 10% and 75%, depending on the classification of the respective municipality according to need (extraordinarily needy, very needy, or needy). A prerequisite is compliance with the legal provisions and guidelines of the state as well as confirmation of necessity and appropriateness by the state fire brigade association. Application documents include the completed application form, approved building plans for projects exceeding 15,000 euros, and a detailed cost estimate. Evaluation criteria include the need category as well as the urgency and appropriateness of the acquisition. The goal of this measure is to ensure demand-oriented, efficient equipment so that fire brigades are optimally prepared in disaster cases and can provide the best possible assistance.