USDA Forest Service announces $34 million in Wood Innovations grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announces the availability of $34 million in funding through three key grant programs during National Forest Products Week: the Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Program, the Wood Innovations Grant Program, and the Community Wood Grant Program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act provide the money to these programs to encourage innovation within the wood products and wood energy sectors while supporting forest management and local economies.
“The Forest Service is committed to investing in the future of America’s wood products industry,” said Regional Wood Innovations Program Lead Julie Kies. “By supporting wood innovation, we are enhancing the capacity of our manufacturing facilities and expanding markets for wood products. These grants will not only promote healthier forests but also invest in the resiliency of our communities.”
Grant program highlights
Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Program — Aims to establish or enhance facilities that process the byproducts from federal and Tribal lands vulnerable to severe wildfires and pest outbreaks.
Wood Innovations Grant Program — Works to significantly boost wood products and energy markets across the nation.
Community Wood Grant Program — Supports the installation of community wood energy systems and innovative wood product manufacturing facilities.
Funded proposals from previous years include installation of cutting-edge equipment in wood processing facilities, the assist in installation or update of renewable biomass energy systems, and supporting markets for mass timber and other innovative products.
Read this feature story to learn how Wood Innovation Grants have been used in the Intermountain Region.
The Wood Innovations Grants Program stimulates, expands, and supports U.S. wood products markets and wood energy markets to support the long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands. For more information visit the Forest Service’s Wood Innovation Page.
