Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act of 2026

Grants to transport hazardous forest fuels

If enacted, the bill would create a competitive Hazardous Fuels Transportation Grants program at the Department of Agriculture. The program would be set up within 180 days of enactment. It would get $25 million each year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Grants would usually cover up to 75% of project costs. Indian Tribes could receive up to 90% of project costs. No grant could give more than $3 million in any one fiscal year. No more than $250,000 of a grant in a year could buy transport equipment. Eligible recipients would include businesses, nonprofits, States, local governments, Tribes, and colleges. Grants could pay to move roundwood, chips, and biomass, and to cover woodyard and chipping costs. They could also fund buying, modifying, or leasing transport equipment, equipment maintenance, and workforce training. They could not pay for building processing facilities or for buying stumpage or timber. Applicants must propose material that comes from hazardous fuels work on National Forest System land. That work must be under a contract or agreement with the Secretary as of the application date. The Secretary would prioritize projects in high-risk firesheds, those that move more volume, keep or grow forest-products infrastructure, increase long-term utilization, align with certain restoration programs, or use specified contracting authorities and agreements.