How does the matching part of our fuels reduction grant work?
Basically, CMRA is financially responsible for conducting or contracting the actual fuel reduction work. We accomplish this by retaining and paying a contractor (Fireline Fire Protection Services) to do certain work, use our own (CMRA and private) equipment and apply commercial rates, and actually do a lot of the physical work ourselves and charge the project a fixed hourly rate established under the grant contract. We also accrue administrative time and other expenses for implementing the program. Under the grant these various activities constitute either an in-kind match (contractor charges, equipment operating expenses, labor, etc.) or soft match (administrative time, Committee time, educational material, etc.) that can qualify for matching funds from the grant. For our part of the match, the only money that changes hands is the payment by CMRA of the Fireline invoices for contracted services. If we successfully pass the grant project site inspections, that money is reimbursed from
