The USDA Forest Service is delivering the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program (CWEWIP) to support the Rural Revitalization Technologies 7 U.S.C. Sec. 8113 and Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 Pub. L. 115-334 Sec. 9013, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) Pub. L. 117-58 Div. J Title VI which directly support the installation of thermally led community wood energy systems or development and expansion of innovative wood product facilities. The intent of the CWEWIP is to support forest health and stimulate local economies by expanding renewable wood energy use and innovative wood products manufacturing capacity.
The Forest Service solicits proposals for projects that will achieve the following:
- Expand thermally led community wood energy or innovative wood product opportunities;
- Improve Forest health; and
- Stimulate local economies.
This funding opportunity is intended for shovel ready projects that will not require additional funding or time to complete after the award period.
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2023
Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Install a thermally led community wood energy system for heating, cooling, and/or electricity that replaces fossil fuels such as coal, oil, propane, or natural gas.
- Purchase and install manufacturing equipment at a mass timber production facility.
- Expand a sawmill to add higher value production lines that incorporate innovative technologies and cost cutting measures.
- Purchase and install equipment at a new facility to produce biofuels from forest residues.
For-profit entities, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, school districts, communities, not-for-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports)
All awards are based on funding availability. The Forest Service plans to award up to $6 million in total awards under this announcement. The maximum for each award is $1 million to pay for up to 35% of total capital costs. The Forest Service may consider awarding up to $1.5 million (for up to 50% of total capital costs) for a proposal that warrants special consideration, especially for projects located in areas of high unemployment.