July 29, 2025 2:50 a.m.   

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced on Monday that the U.S. Forest Service is investing over $9.6 million in 17 projects in Oregon to boost the creation of innovative wood products, develop more markets for uses of mass timber and renewable wood energy, and increase the capacity of wood process and manufacturing facilities.

The lawmakers said that federal funding is critical to ensuring the state’s leadership in the wood products industry, while helping to restore healthy forests and reduce wildfire risk.

Merkley said, “Oregon has the best wood products in the world, and federal funding opportunities like the Wood Innovations Program help keep our state at the forefront of timber innovation while uplifting our rural communities”. Merkley previously introduced the bipartisan Mass Timber Federal Building Act to promote the use of mass timber in federal building projects and military construction.

Wyden said, “Our state is leading the way to a better, safer, and more energy-efficient future in Oregon and nationwide by drawing a robust blueprint for the success of mass timber and renewable wood energy”. Wyden said the federal investments add up to one big win for Oregon when it comes to supporting that goal of bringing jobs, a better economy and reduced threats of wildfire.

More details about the Wood Innovations Program grants is linked: Wood Innovations Program Grants | US Forest Service