Mayor Muriel Bowser has submitted a request to the Council of the District of Columbia to reprogram $4,830,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Funds within the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS). The funds will be allocated for the replacement of Fire Boats 2 and 3, as well as for the purchase of capital-eligible safety equipment and related infrastructure for the Apparatus Division. The reprogramming will involve transferring funds from existing projects related to Fire Pumpers and Rescue Squad Vehicles to new projects focused on Fire Apparatus and Safety Equipment.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer has reviewed the Mayor's request and confirmed that the reprogramming will not adversely impact the FEMS budget or the District's financial plan. The funds are available due to a reprioritization of the FEMS budget, allowing for the necessary purchases to enhance safety and operational efficiency. The request emphasizes the urgency of acquiring the new fire boats and safety equipment to prevent unsafe operating conditions and reduce reliance on external vendors for maintenance. If the reprogramming is not approved, the agency will face challenges in maintaining its operational capabilities.