Pingree Announces $100,000 Grant to UMaine for Wood Innovation

Press Release

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Chair of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, today announced the University of Maine will receive a $100,000 grant through the U.S. Forest Service's Wood Innovations Grant Program. The project will optimize a pilot-scale fiberboard manufacturing line using underutilized forest resources and recycled wood-based products.

"As our nation confronts the climate crisis, we must find ways to support our heritage industries, such as forestry, being part of the solution. Sustainably-sourced forest products can function as more climate-friendly alternative to traditional building materials--they can even sequester carbon from the atmosphere and keep it locked in the wood," said Pingree. "During my tenure as Chair of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I've prioritized federal investments that fund pioneering solutions in the forest products industry and promote sustainable forest management practices. The University of Maine has been there at every step, developing uses for Maine's ample wood resources and helping to support a key economic sector in our state. I'm glad to see this funding will support this important research and look forward to our continued work together."

The Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine is in the process of acquiring and commissioning a fiberboard pilot line, capable of producing both medium density fiberboard and low-density insulating wood fiber composites. A pilot-scale research and development facility in Maine will support regional fiberboard manufacturers. Commercial fiberboard facilities consume significant volumes of low-grade wood fiber from underutilized species, so having marketable uses for these materials increases forest harvest sustainability and economics--fully utilizing our extracted forest resources while supporting rural communities in the region and improving forest health.

The Wood Innovations Grant Program stimulates and expands wood products and wood energy markets. Grant projects support expanding markets, improving structural performance, increasing education and outreach, and promoting design and construction of highly visible buildings.

Pingree has served as Chair of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee since January 2021, where she oversees funding for the U.S. Forest Service. She held a hearing in March on wood innovation and sustainable forest products industry and recently penned an op-ed in the Bangor Daily News about her recent efforts to reinvigorate rural economies through new forest products.

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