USDA Releases ARRA Dollars for Forest Service

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the release of additional funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Forest Service projects in 36 states. The 105 projects, funded at more than $94.6 million, are located on Federal, state, and private lands. To date, USDA has released 89% of funds authorized by ARRA for Forest Service projects. According to Vilsack these projects will help protect natural resources.

Over $45 million is available for Wildland Fire Management projects on Federal lands and in cooperation with States, local governments, tribes, and private lands owners on their lands for: Ecosystem Restoration, Research, and Rehabilitation; Invasive Species Protection; Hazardous Fuels Reduction Activities; State Fire Assistance Projects; Biomass Utilization Grants; and Wood to Energy Grants.