Kentucky benefits from $74m in federal forestry grants

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Forest Service is directing nearly $74 million into projects across the country, including two impactful initiatives in Kentucky, as part of a broader federal effort to invigorate the wood products sector.

This funding, drawn from the largest climate investment in U.S. history through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to support the creation of new markets for wood products derived from sustainably sourced wood.

The grants in Kentucky are focused on enhancing the operational capabilities of local wood processing facilities. Kentucky Hardwood Lumber Co., Inc. will use their $169,976 grant for crucial improvements to their sawmill operations in Central Appalachia, while Somerset Pellet Fuel has been granted $300,000 to optimize wood utilization for hardwood fire logs production.

These grants are part of a comprehensive strategy to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risks by removing dead trees and overgrown vegetation. Additionally, the funded projects will help convert heating systems to sustainable biomass boilers and increase the use of innovative housing materials like mass timber.

Deputy Agriculture Secretary Xochiti Torres Small emphasized that these investments are critical for supporting high-quality jobs and enhancing the economic capacity of communities, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The initiative not only promises environmental benefits but also supports the Administration's commitment to rural development and sustainability in the wood products industry.

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