AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK AWARDS MORE THAN $4.2 MILLION FOR WOODY BIOMASS UTILIZATION PROJECTS

USDA

Release No. 0403.09
Contact:Rebecca Wallace: 608-231-9275

Federal grants help reduce the risk of wildfire and create jobs in rural communities

WASHINGTON, August 26, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced more than $4.2 million in grants to 17 small businesses and community groups to develop innovative uses for woody biomass from hazardous fuel reduction projects on the national forests. Uses of this woody biomass include renewable energy and new products that could be developed, which is consistent with the vision Vilsack outlined two weeks ago about the future of our nation's forests. The investments announced today will help further the goal of conservation, management, and restoration of these natural treasures, which will reduce catastrophic fires, disease and pests that have all led to declining forest health in recent decades.

"By harnessing the full potential of woody biomass, America's forests can produce renewable energy and new products and we can create new, green job opportunities for local workers," Vilsack said. "These grants will help restore our forests by reducing hazardous fuels, handling insect and disease conditions, and treating forests impacted by catastrophic weather while creating markets for small-diameter material and low-valued trees removed from these areas."

Read the full story