The US Forest Service has announced that nearly $50 million in grant funding is being made available for proposals that will benefit forests, communities and local economies in the Pacific Northwest region and across the nation.
This funding is part of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda and it's made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In alignment with these initiatives, the investments are intended to foster rural economies by promoting sustainable forest management practices, mitigating wildfire risks, addressing climate change and driving economic development.
The Forest Service is accepting proposals under three key grant programs: the Wood Innovations Grant, Community Wood Grant and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant, which are designed to support the forest products economy. The agency is actively seeking proposals that champion innovative uses of wood -- especially in the construction of low-carbon buildings -- as a renewable energy source, and in diverse manufacturing and processing applications.
Eligible entities in the private, non-profit and government sectors, businesses and for-profit entities, institutions of higher education as well as public utility, fire, conservation and school districts and others are encouraged to submit their proposals by the deadlines in December.
These investments will also support the Forest Service's 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis in the Pacific Northwest, prioritizing areas where it poses an immediate threat to local communities.
For more information regarding grant funding program opportunities, please visit "fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation."
