USDA awards $6.2 mil to woody biomass development projects

Washington (Platts)--21Mar2007

The US Department of Agriculture has awarded $6.2 million in grants to 26
small businesses and community groups to develop innovative uses for woody
biomass -- including renewable energy and new products -- from national
forests, the agency said.

The grants will help create markets for small-diameter material and
low-valued trees removed from forest restoration activities, such as reducing
hazardous fuels, handling insect and diseased conditions, or treating
forest lands affected by catastrophic weather, the agency said.

"These grants help communities, entrepreneurs and others turn residues
from forest restoration activities into marketable forest and energy
products," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

"Not only will these projects reduce the risk of wildfire, they will help
us to achieve the president's energy goals. Our farm bill proposals would take
this effort to the next level by providing funding for research and new woody
biomass projects," he added.