The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said on the 27th it would support 49.4 billion won in earmarked tax (special) for local authorities to strengthen disaster response capabilities.
The earmarked funds for disaster relief to be provided this time are intended to prepare for heavy snow this winter and wildfires in the spring. The funds will also be used for the restoration and maintenance of facilities in localities that were affected by heavy rains and snow this year and have limited financial capacity.
Specifically, 3 billion won will be allocated for the purchase of small snow removal equipment and the installation of anti-slip mats for snow removal on backroads in urban areas in preparation for winter snowfall.
For wildfire preparedness in spring, 15 billion won will be allocated. The grants will be used for purchasing firefighting equipment, maintaining leased helicopter hangars, and installing wildfire alert broadcasting facilities.
Additionally, 2.3 billion won will be allocated for the restoration of public facilities in areas severely affected by heavy snow on Nov. 11, and 29.1 billion won for the repair and reinforcement of disaster-vulnerable facilities that could not be maintained due to financial constraints.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety urged local authorities to expedite the use of funds, considering that the earmarked tax for disaster relief was allocated ahead of the end of the fiscal year.
Goh Ki-dong, acting Minister of the Interior and Safety, said, with this financial support, local authorities are expected to swiftly recover from this winter's snow damage and enhance their capabilities to prepare for wildfires next spring.