The USDA Forest Service's 2025 Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance (WPIA) program seeks to provide up to $20 million in funding to facilities that purchase and process byproducts from ecosystem restoration projects on federal and Tribal lands at high risk for severe wildfire or infestation. This initiative aims to reduce restoration costs, support ecosystem health, and bolster local economies. Funding will support facilities such as sawmills and other wood-processing sites that use restoration byproducts, including small trees and woody biomass, through timber sales, thinning operations, hazardous fuels reduction, or similar efforts. Proposals may request between $50,000 and $1 million, and funds will be awarded on a cost-reimbursement basis. The application deadline is December 18, 2024, and final selections are expected by May 2025.

Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, school districts, non-profits, institutions of higher education, and various special-purpose districts. Each applicant must register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and ensure consistency in name and address information across all application materials. In alignment with Executive Order 13985, the program encourages applications that directly or indirectly benefit disadvantaged communities. Additional consideration will be given to projects in close proximity to federal or Tribal lands at high risk for wildfire or pest infestation, with priority for projects that use a substantial proportion of raw materials from these lands (about 50% or more).

Although a formal match is not required, applicants are encouraged to provide a 25% cooperator contribution, which may improve the proposal’s competitiveness. Projects benefiting disadvantaged communities or led by Tribal entities may qualify for a waiver of this match. Eligible uses of funds include costs related to staffing, equipment (e.g., stationary wood processing equipment), supplies, contractual work, and travel directly associated with establishing, reopening, or improving a wood-processing facility. However, federal funds may not be used for mobile equipment, except for projects led by Tribal applicants, nor can they cover construction, real property improvements, or operating costs. For equipment purchases, applicants are advised to use non-federal funds when possible, as federal interest in equipment valued over $10,000 remains until its fair market value falls below this threshold.

The application consists of two parts. Part 1 includes the WPIA Application Form, which can be found on Grants.gov, and any supporting appendices, such as resumes, proof of SAM registration, letters of financial support, and relevant past funding documentation. Part 2 requires specific financial forms, such as the SF-424 series and other USDA forms available on the Forest Service’s website. Applications must be submitted electronically to the appropriate Forest Service Regional Wood Innovations Coordinator by the deadline; late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Selection criteria include the project’s anticipated impact on restoration pace and scale, technical and financial readiness, benefit to disadvantaged communities, the applicant’s history with similar projects, and the presence of a 25% match. The program will assess the likelihood of significant, immediate impact on byproduct utilization and restoration pace. Facilities close to the project lands and those purchasing large volumes of byproducts from federal or Tribal lands will be rated more favorably.

Awarded projects will require quarterly progress and financial reports to document accomplishments and manage expenditures. For support during the application process, applicants are encouraged to consult their Regional Wood Innovations Coordinator and may also benefit from the Forest Service Community Navigator Program, which offers guidance in meeting application requirements and aligning projects with program goals.