The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded more than $15 million to fund grant proposals to develop and expand the use of wood products, strengthen emerging wood energy markets and protect community forests. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement.
The grant funding, delivered through USDA Forest Service programs, supports 60 projects that cover a diverse range of activities from the development of affordable housing to expanding markets for mass timber, biochar, wood energy and other emerging wood products. The grants also include funds to help tribes, local governments and qualified non-profit organizations permanently conserve working forests that benefit communities.
Forest Service awards will leverage an additional $30 million in matching and partner funds bringing the totals well above $45 million.
