By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service today revealed a new funding opportunity, allocating up to $34 million to propel innovation and job growth within the forestry sector. This initiative aligns with President Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at fostering a robust forest products economy.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the dual benefits of sustainably sourced wood, which not only enhances forest health but also revitalizes local communities.
The funding is accessible through three key programs - the Wood Innovations Grant, the Community Wood Grant, and the Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs. These initiatives support innovative applications of wood in construction, renewable energy, and other manufactured products.
Since 2021, the Forest Service has allocated nearly $190 million to 482 projects across the nation. With additional funds matched or leveraged by applicants, the total investment reaches approximately $808 million. These projects are crucial in addressing the challenge of catastrophic wildfires, diseases, and infestations by promoting sustainable wood markets.
Eligible entities for this grant include private, nonprofit, and government sectors, including tribes and educational institutions. The focus is on expanding and retrofitting wood energy systems and manufacturing facilities to process wood materials that traditionally hold little to no commercial value.
This financial support is part of a broader strategy to manage forests sustainably, mitigating wildfire risks and improving forest health. The Forest Service’s 10-year strategy aims to use wood sourced from activities like prescribed burns and mechanical thinning, which help reduce the vegetation that fuels wildfires, safeguarding communities from these disasters.
For more details on the application process and funding opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Forest Service’s official website.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National