The BUILD Act of 2023 establishes two federal grant programs totaling $250 million annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2026 to help small law enforcement agencies and fire departments improve their facilities and operations. Law enforcement agencies serving communities with fewer than 50,000 residents can receive grants of up to $4 million each to modify, upgrade, or construct facilities that enhance emergency services, officer training, recruitment and retention, community engagement, or public safety. Similarly, career, combination, and volunteer fire departments serving jurisdictions of 50,000 people or fewer can receive grants up to $4 million to improve firefighting and emergency medical services capabilities, train personnel, enhance recruitment and retention, and support community safety efforts. The Attorney General and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must issue guidance within 120 days, distribute information about the programs, ensure geographic equity in grant distribution, and submit progress reports to Congress every two years. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study infrastructure needs for these small agencies within 180 days and project those needs over the next ten years.
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