2026 Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Program (US)

The Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance (WPIA) program provides funding to establish, expand, or improve sawmills and wood-processing facilities using byproducts from federal or Tribal forest ecosystem restoration projects. Grants range from $50,000 to $2,000,000 and aim to support forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and strengthen markets for timber and biomass byproducts. Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, governments, Indian tribes, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and special purpose districts.

Program Overview

The WPIA program is designed to:

• Support active forest management and ecosystem restoration on Federal and Tribal lands

• Improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfires, insect infestations, and disease

• Reduce costs and increase revenue of restoration projects through market development for timber and biomass byproducts

• Strengthen wood products manufacturing and wood bioenergy production infrastructure

By funding sawmills and other wood-processing facilities, the program aims to create sustainable markets for forest restoration byproducts while supporting local economic development.

Funding Priorities

Projects that demonstrate the following characteristics are prioritized:

• Procurement of approximately 50% of raw materials from Federal or Tribal lands

• Use of feedstock identified as high priority for ecological restoration and at risk of fire, insects, or disease

• Location in close proximity to Federal or Tribal lands supplying byproducts

• Facility investments that reduce the cost or increase the revenue of restoration and land management projects

Eligible Activities

Funding can support:

• Establishment, reopening, retrofitting, or expansion of sawmills and wood-processing facilities

• Infrastructure improvements that process trees, logs, and woody biomass harvested through:

  • Timber sales

  • Thinning operations

  • Hazardous fuels reduction treatments

  • Other forest management activities

Projects must be concentrated in areas with high or very high need for ecosystem restoration and at risk of severe wildfire or pest/disease infestation.

Funding Details

• Estimated Total Program Funding: Up to $50 million

• Individual Awards: $50,000 to $2,000,000, depending on project scale and scope

• Funding Source: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• For-profit entities

• State and local governments

• Indian tribes

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Higher education institutions

• Special purpose districts (e.g., public utility districts, fire districts, school districts, conservation districts, ports)

Applicants must demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to implement the proposed project effectively.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to:

• Increase local wood-processing capacity for restoration byproducts

• Support forest health and ecological restoration efforts on Federal and Tribal lands

• Reduce wildfire risk and improve management of hazardous fuels

• Enhance the economic viability of restoration projects through market development

• Provide economic benefits and job creation in surrounding communities

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify your organization type meets WPIA requirements

• Ensure access to Federal or Tribal forest restoration byproducts

Step 2: Prepare Proposal

• Include project description, objectives, and expected outcomes

• Provide a detailed budget and timeline

• Demonstrate alignment with program priorities (forest health, wildfire risk reduction, restoration markets)

Step 3: Submit Application

• Follow the official WPIA submission process and provide all required supporting documentation

Step 4: Review and Selection

• Applications evaluated based on technical merit, alignment with priorities, feasibility, and potential impact

• Funding decisions will consider geographic and ecological restoration needs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate procurement of feedstock from Federal or Tribal lands

• Omitting justification of restoration impact or economic benefits

• Proposing projects outside high-need ecosystem restoration areas

• Submitting incomplete or unclear budgets and timelines

• Ignoring eligibility requirements for applicant type

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the funding range for WPIA projects?

Individual awards range from $50,000 to $2,000,000.

2. Who can apply for funding?

For-profit entities, state and local governments, Indian tribes, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and special purpose districts.

3. What types of facilities are eligible?

Sawmills and other wood-processing facilities that utilize byproducts from forest restoration projects.

4. What types of feedstock are prioritized?

Materials sourced from Federal or Tribal lands, identified as high priority for ecological restoration and at risk of fire, insects, or disease.

5. Can the funding be used for new and existing facilities?

Yes, WPIA supports establishment, reopening, retrofitting, expansion, or improvement of facilities.

6. How does this program support forest restoration?

By creating markets for restoration byproducts, reducing wildfire risk, and strengthening local wood-processing capacity.

7. Is project location important?

Yes, priority is given to facilities located near Federal or Tribal lands supplying restoration byproducts and in high-need restoration areas.

Conclusion

The WPIA program provides essential funding to expand and improve wood-processing infrastructure that supports forest ecosystem restoration on Federal and Tribal lands. By fostering sustainable markets for timber and biomass byproducts, the program strengthens forest health, reduces wildfire risk, and benefits local communities economically. Eligible organizations should submit detailed proposals demonstrating alignment with program priorities to secure funding ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000.