By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is giving $80 million in Wood Innovation Grants to help improve the use of forests, expand the wood industry, and create new jobs. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the grant, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
The funding supports projects that use wood in new and better ways, such as building materials and energy. This will help reduce the number of trees in overgrown forests, lowering the risk of wildfires and making the forests healthier.
This investment is part of a larger plan to make better use of natural resources in the United States. It builds on a $200 million timber investment announced in May and supports faster project approvals and fewer rules that block forest use.
These grants will support rural communities by growing their local economies. Many areas that depend on forestry will benefit from more jobs and better use of forest products. The grants also encourage clean energy by using wood as a fuel source.
The Forest Service will lead the program, helping local groups apply and manage the funds. They aim to protect forests while using them wisely for building and fuel needs.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National