US Forest Service Awards 26 Biomass Utilization Grants

On March 20, 2007 Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced awards of $6.2 million in grants to small businesses and community groups for research and innovation in the utilization of woody biomass including renewable energy. Applications received by the Forest Service totaled 93 and more than $20 million in funding support. Awards will help groups turn low valued trees (small-diameter) and forest residues into energy and marketable products while reducing the risks of forest fires.