The Livestock Operator Fire and Flood Assistance Grant Program (LOFFAP), administered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, provides funding to livestock operators for infrastructure reconstruction due to damage caused by wildfires and their associated flooding. For Fiscal Year 2025, four grant cycles are available, with submission deadlines on September 27, 2024, December 27, 2024, March 28, 2025, and June 27, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. MST on the respective dates.

The program provides funding to livestock landowners or lessees operating with 40 or more animals who require financial assistance to repair damaged infrastructure. Eligible applicants must demonstrate that their infrastructure was damaged due to a single wildfire or subsequent flooding that occurred on or after June 1, 2019. Grant funds can be used for projects such as fence replacement, water systems, wells, corrals, and other essential components critical to livestock operations. Grants are limited to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum award of $250,000 per project. Applicants are required to secure matching funds from other sources, such as insurance, charitable organizations, or federal programs.

Ineligible uses of funds include heavy equipment purchases, housing, decorative furnishings, general maintenance, or infrastructure that was non-functional or nonexistent before June 1, 2019. Projects requiring permits or clearances, such as NEPA or State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approval, must meet all legal and regulatory requirements before receiving funding. Projects on state or federal lands must also gain approval from the relevant land management agency.

Applicants must submit a complete application package, including an attestation form, infrastructure project proposal, budget form, overview maps with photos, and applicable land management agency verification. The proposal must include a clear scope of work, budget narrative, project timeline, and deliverables. Applications are evaluated based on technical merit, alignment with program goals, and cost-effectiveness.

Funds are distributed primarily on a reimbursement basis, although advance funding of up to 50% of the total award may be requested with justification. Quarterly progress reports, documentation of expenses, and a final project report are required to ensure compliance and successful project completion. Grantees must maintain project records for five years after the grant closes.

Applications must be submitted online at the designated portal, and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. For assistance, applicants can contact LOFFAP coordinators Marty Suter at msuter@azda.gov or Ashley Estes at aestes@azda.gov. Additional information and forms are available at the Arizona Department of Agriculture's grants website.