Dear Readers:

I want to let you all know that the USDA Forest Service 2011 Grant Program is now open and the applications deadline is March 1, 2011. Below are some highlights of the grant.
$3.7 million is available for grants that address the nationwide challenge in dealing with low-valued material to create renewable energy. Submission of an application is required for a grant up to $250,000 for wood energy projects that require engineering services.

These projects will use woody biomass material removed from forest restoration activities, such as wildfire hazardous fuel treatments, insect and disease mitigation, forest management due to catastrophic weather events, and/or thinning overstocked stands.

The woody biomass shall be used in a bioenergy facility that uses commercially proven technologies to produce thermal, electrical or liquid/gaseous bioenergy. The funds from the Woody Biomass Utilization Grant program (WBU) must be used to further the planning of these facilities by funding the engineering services necessary for final design and cost analysis.

Examples of such projects include engineering design of a:

• woody biomass boiler for steam at a sawmill
• non-pressurized system to heat water for various applications at a hospital, and
• biomass power facility, or similar facilities.

This program is aimed at helping applicants complete the necessary design work needed to secure public and/or private investment for construction. Click here for more information.

Happy Holidays,

Craig Rawlings