Deadline: 20-Dec-22
The USDA Forest Service is announcing the availability of $8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to support the establishment of temporary bridge rental programs for portable skidder bridges, bridge mats, or other temporary water crossing structures, to minimize stream bed disturbance on non-Federal land and Federal land.
The intent of this funding opportunity is to support the establishment of temporary bridge programs with States and Indian Tribes to protect water resources and reduce water quality degradation during forestry related operations requiring temporary water resource crossings
Funding Preferences
Preference for year 1 funding will be given to entities that:
- Do have an active temporary bridge program already in place.
- Demonstrate how they will support underserved communities.
- Demonstrate collaborative partnerships in implementing their programs.
- Demonstrate how the program will be implemented to improve water quality.
- Demonstrate an effective communication and outreach strategy.
- Demonstrate understanding of reporting requirements.
- Provide letters of commitment from collaborating partners.
Funding Information
- Funding for the program is $40.21 million to be spread out over 5 years. The Forest Service plans to award up to $8million each year for 5 years.
- Awards will be issued in the form of a grant agreement. The agreement length is planned to beno more than 3 years.
- The maximum amount of financial assistance an entity may apply for in year 1 is $175,000.
Eligible Bridge Use Participants
- States: Entities that engage in primary (e.g., loggers) and secondary (e.g., sawmills, pulp mills, chip mills, pellet mills, timber brokers/wood dealers, etc.) forest product operations are eligible to participate in a loan, rental/lease, or cost-share programs. Entities not engaging in primary or secondary forest product operations but in other activities on forest lands requiring temporary water resource protection measures are eligible for loan and rental/lease programs only. States should use their best discretion to determine Primary and Secondary Forest Product Operators.
- Indian Tribes: Indian Tribes and their partners that engage in forestry operations and/or water resource protection related activities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants are State governments.
- All applicants must have initiated the registration process in SAM to apply for the grant and be announced for an award.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.