The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled a significant investment of over $43 million aimed at expanding the innovative utilization of wood across various sectors. This funding will support the incorporation of wood as a construction material in commercial buildings, an energy source, and a key component in the manufacturing and processing of wood products utilized in framing homes and more.

Through the Community Wood Grants and Wood Innovations Grants programs, 123 projects across the nation will receive funding. These longstanding Forest Service grant initiatives promote the development of innovative wood products and renewable wood energy economies. Since 2015, the Wood Innovations and Community Wood Grant programs have already provided more than $93 million to 381 recipients, bolstering wood-related projects and ventures.

 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed the administration's commitment to supporting wood products and wood energy economies. Vilsack emphasized that sustainable construction practices will help address the ongoing wildfire crisis and mitigate risks to communities while creating new markets for excess and hazardous wood found in fire-prone western landscapes.

The funded proposals under these grant programs will facilitate the expansion and retrofitting of wood energy systems and wood products manufacturing facilities. Moreover, they will promote the market adoption of innovative applications of mass timber and renewable wood energy. These projects also contribute to the restoration of healthy forests, reducing wildfire risks and protecting communities, infrastructure, and resources.

These investments support the Forest Service's 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis and strengthen the interdependence between healthy forests and a thriving forest products economy. The USDA's commitment to advancing wood innovation and renewable energy not only promotes sustainable practices but also enhances the resilience of communities and fosters economic growth across the nation.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/releases/usda-announces-43-million-investment-advance-innovation-in-wood-products