The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Apr. 6 a guarantee of $115.2 million in loans across eight states to support sawmills and wood processing facilities through the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP). The funding, revealed at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference by J.R. Claeys, Administrator for the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, is intended to help facilities establish, reopen, expand, or improve their operations.
This investment aims to increase American timber production by 25 percent and reduce wildfire risks by strengthening domestic wood processing capacity in California, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
“We cannot allow wildfires to devastate and destroy our rural communities,” said Claeys. “That’s why the USDA is taking bold action to stop the destruction of our forestlands by investing in sawmills and wood processing facilities that support sustainable timber harvesting. These actions strengthen local businesses, support rural prosperity, and create jobs for hardworking Americans.” U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz also commented on the importance of these efforts: “The value of National Forest Systems lands is demonstrated by providing various forest products such as timber, lumber, paper, bioenergy and other wood products… The Timber Production and Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program is one of many ways the Forest Service partners with the timber industry to maintain rural jobs…”
TPEP operates through a partnership between USDA’s Rural Development program and the U.S. Forest Service. The program supports qualified lenders whose applicants plan projects that process ecosystem restoration byproducts from National Forest System lands.
In Louisiana specifically—which will receive part of this funding—the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry manages conservation efforts like those at Alexander State Forest according to its official website. The agency obtains grants such as those from the Specialty Crop Program to boost crop competitiveness according to its official website, preserves agricultural traditions while supporting farmers according to its official website, serves within Louisiana’s executive branch according to its official website, supports sectors contributing about $11.7 billion annually through agriculture and forestry endeavors according to its official website, aims for high standards in food safety and natural resource management according to its official website, advances efforts through partnerships promoting sustainable practices statewide according to its official website.
More information about USDA Rural Development investments can be found via their online Rural Data Gateway tool.
