Forest Service Keeps Program Turning Wood Scraps into Eco Gold
Published Date: 3/31/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA Forest Service is keeping a program that helps facilities buy and process leftover wood to restore forests. They’re asking for public comments by June 1, 2026, but aren’t changing the rules right now. This program supports jobs and healthy ecosystems by turning wood waste into useful products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants to Support Local Sawmills Near Federal Lands
Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Section 40804(b)3), the Forest Service provides financial assistance to entities that want to establish, reopen, expand, or improve sawmills or wood processing facilities near Federal or Tribal lands identified as high or very high priority for ecological restoration. Eligible applicants include for-profit entities; State and local governments; Indian Tribes; school districts; community non-profits; institutions of higher education; and special purpose districts.
Paperwork Burden: 8.25 Hours Per Application
If you apply for Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance, each application requires about 8.25 hours to complete. The Forest Service estimates 78 respondents per year and a total annual burden of 643.5 hours; the information collection approval expires October 31, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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