H.R. 2979: Building Up Infrastructure for Local Departments Act of 2025

The Building Up Infrastructure for Local Departments Act of 2025, also known as the BUILD Act of 2025, aims to support infrastructure improvements for small law enforcement agencies and fire departments in the United States. The act will provide grants to local law enforcement and fire agencies that serve populations of fewer than 50,000 residents. The main provisions of the bill are outlined below.

Grant Programs for Law Enforcement

The act establishes a grant program overseen by the Attorney General for state and local law enforcement agencies. This includes:

• Eligibility: Agencies serving areas with populations below 50,000 can apply for grants to enhance their facilities.
• Use of Funds: The funds must be used for projects including:
  • Improving emergency services.
  • Training and development of officers.
  • Recruiting and retaining officers.
  • Community engagement initiatives.
  • Enhancing community safety.
• Grant Amount: Each grant can be up to $4 million.
• Total Funding: $250 million is authorized for appropriation each fiscal year from 2026 to 2028 for these grants.
• Application Process: Law enforcement agencies must submit applications showing financial needs and proposed project costs.

Reporting and Oversight

The Attorney General must provide guidance, distribute grant program information, ensure equitable distribution of funds across geographical regions, and report on the program's effectiveness to Congress. Additionally, a study will be required to assess the construction and renovation needs of law enforcement agencies serving small jurisdictions.

Grant Programs for Fire Departments

Similar provisions apply to fire departments under a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Key elements include:

• Eligibility: Grants can be awarded to career, combination, and volunteer fire departments serving jurisdictions with populations of 50,000 or fewer.
• Use of Funds: Funds can be used for projects aimed at:
  • Improving emergency services capabilities, including firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS).
  • Training and development of firefighting personnel.
  • Recruiting and retaining firefighters, including enhancing safety measures.
  • Community engagement efforts.
  • Improving safety in communities.
• Grant Amount: Each grant is also capped at $4 million.
• Total Funding: $250 million is allocated from 2026 to 2028 for fire department grants.
• Application Process: Fire departments must provide applications detailing jurisdiction size, project costs, and financial need.

Community Needs Assessment

Both the Attorney General and the Comptroller General are required to conduct periodic assessments of the construction and renovation needs of law enforcement and fire departments, providing insight into the adequacy of current infrastructure and future requirements.

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