April 24, 2006

Agriculture Under Secretary Thomas Dorr today announced nearly $4.2 million in grants to 18 small enterprises to develop innovative uses for woody biomass in national forests as sources of renewable energy and new products.

"This grant program helps to reduce the risk of wildfires by removing built-up fuel hazards and improves forest health," said Dorr while here to announce several Earth Day initiatives by USDA. "In addition, these projects give an economic boost to our rural communities, increasing the nation's sources of renewable energy."

This year's recipients were selected based on a number of factors, including those that make it economical to remove woody biomass for forest lands and turning it into marketable products, while reducing the costs of recovery. In addition, grants were awarded for projects targeted at removing economic and market barriers in using small-diameter trees and woody biomass.

All 18 grant recipients must match the federal portion by at least 20 percent. Together with the non-federal matches, approximately $13 million will be spent on this effort. Number 5 grant recipient was Montana Community Development Corporation (Missoula, Mont.), $228,000.

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