The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP) to support wood processing facilities, improve forest health, and reduce wildfire risks. This initiative, led by USDA Rural Development and the USDA Forest Service, provides $220 million in loan guarantees for projects that expand, reopen, or modernize facilities utilizing wood harvested from federal or Tribal lands. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, TPEP aligns with the President’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild infrastructure and foster economic growth in rural areas. Source: USDA announcement.
TPEP targets the processing and utilization of wood products from up to 20 million acres of National Forest System lands. USDA aims to reduce wildfire risks, combat insect infestations, and address disease impacts on critical infrastructure and communities. Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the program's potential to support rural jobs and promote innovative timber industry solutions.
The program offers loans of up to $25 million, with applications opening December 26, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to prioritize high-risk wildfire areas identified in the Forest Service’s TPEP Dashboard. Eligible projects include establishing, retrofitting, or expanding wood processing facilities such as sawmills and paper mills.
To further support applicants, USDA will host a TPEP webinar on January 6, 2025, detailing program requirements and application processes. The initiative also aligns with broader goals to reduce climate pollution, bolster rural community resilience, and enhance equitable access to USDA programs. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and will remain open until funds are exhausted.
