USDA Forest Service Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance (WPIA) Program – FY 2026 Funding Overview

Program Overview

The USDA Forest Service Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance (WPIA) Program provides funding to support wood-processing infrastructure that uses materials generated from ecosystem restoration projects on federal and Tribal lands. The program is designed to strengthen markets for restoration byproducts such as timber and woody biomass while supporting forest health and reducing wildfire risks.

By investing in wood products manufacturing and processing facilities, the program aims to reduce the cost of restoration treatments and hazardous fuels reduction projects while supporting rural economies and forest product industries.

Program Purpose

The Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance program is intended to expand the capacity of facilities that process timber and biomass removed through forest restoration efforts. These restoration byproducts may originate from thinning operations, timber sales, hazardous fuels reduction projects, or other vegetation management activities.

The program supports federal priorities to increase timber utilization, reduce wildfire risk, expand domestic energy production, and stimulate rural economic development.

Funding Priority Considerations

Projects may receive priority consideration if they demonstrate:

• Procurement of a substantial share of raw materials from Federal or Tribal lands
• Feedstock sources located in areas at risk of wildfire, insect infestation, or disease
• Facility proximity to restoration project areas
• Clear economic benefits that reduce the cost of ecological restoration projects

Projects that demonstrate strong market demand for restoration byproducts and clear operational readiness are generally more competitive.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• For-profit companies and corporations
• State and local governments
• Indian tribes
• Nonprofit organizations
• Institutions of higher education
• Special purpose districts (such as public utilities, fire districts, conservation districts, or ports)

Cost Sharing Requirements

There is no cost share or matching funds requirement under the Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance program.

Funding Details

• Total Program Funding: Up to $50 million
• Individual Award Range: $50,000 to $2,000,000
• Application Deadline: April 22, 2026

How LEC Partners Supports Wood Infrastructure Projects

Projects funded through the WPIA program often involve complex technical, market, and financial considerations related to forest product supply chains and biomass utilization. LEC Partners supports organizations developing wood processing infrastructure and bioeconomy projects.

• Evaluation of biomass and timber feedstock availability
• Market analysis for wood products and forest residues
• Independent technical feasibility assessments
• Funding application development and narrative support
• Economic impact and risk assessment

LEC’s multidisciplinary network includes experts in biomass energy, forest product markets, renewable materials, and bioeconomy development.

Questions We Often Get About Wood Infrastructure Funding

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