The USDA announced that nearly $50 million in grant funding will be made available for proposals designed to foster innovation, expand markets for wood products and renewable wood energy, increase processing capacity, and contribute to the fight against climate change.

The grants are facilitated through three key grant programs administered by the Forest Service:

 
1. Wood Innovations Grant: This program seeks proposals promoting innovative uses of wood in low carbon building construction, as a renewable energy source, and in various manufacturing and processing applications.
2. Community Wood Grant: Funding is available to expand and retrofit wood energy systems and wood products manufacturing facilities, directly supporting the use of wood in different applications.
3. Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs: These grants help businesses involved in or supporting the forest products economy to expand their manufacturing capabilities.

The eligible entities for these programs span a wide spectrum, including private, non-profit, and government sectors, Tribes, local and state governments, businesses, institutions of higher education, public utility, fire, conservation, and school districts, among others.

Investments stemming from this funding will contribute to forest management projects, enhancing forest health and reducing wildfire risks across all types of land ownership. Previously underutilized materials like small diameter timber and woody biomass will gain new significance through these programs, enhancing their market value and utilization in various wood products.

Furthermore, these investments will play a crucial role in addressing the ongoing wildfire crisis, particularly in areas where it poses immediate threats to communities. The Forest Service will direct resources to projects sourcing wood from activities that mitigate risks to communities, such as prescribed burns and mechanical thinning to reduce the vegetation that fuels wildfires.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/releases/usda-announces-call-proposals-grants-strengthen-forest-products-economy-forest-sector