Vermont Value-Added Forest Products Permitting Assistance Grant Program

The Vermont Value-Added Forest Products Permitting Assistance Grant Program (FPPA Grant) is administered by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. This state-funded initiative is designed to support Vermont businesses that are engaged in value-added processing of forest products. The purpose of the grant is to alleviate the financial burden associated with obtaining necessary state and local permits required for business operations. Funding for the program is sourced from state legislative appropriations, specifically through Act 83, signed into law by Governor Phil Scott in 2019. The grant targets expenses directly related to the permitting process. Eligible uses of the funds include state and local permit application fees, project consultation costs, engineering and site planning services, and costs associated with expert witness testimony. These types of expenses are often incurred as part of compliance with municipal zoning requirements, Act 250, or Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permits. The grant aims to ease the startup or expansion challenges faced by businesses like sawmills, furniture manufacturers, and firewood processors, as long as they are adding value to Vermont-sourced forest products. Eligibility is strictly limited to Vermont-based businesses whose primary operations involve adding value to forest products. Notably, businesses engaged solely in logging or forestry activities are not eligible. Additionally, applicants must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and must not have previously received funding from this program. The grant cannot be used for reimbursement of previously completed projects. Applicants may request funding in amounts ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000, with total program funding capped at $30,000. Awards are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis and can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. All funds must be spent within a 12-month grant period. Disbursement will occur upon submission of the relevant permit application, final project report, and documentation of expenses incurred. The application process involves completing a provided form, which must be submitted via email to Paul Frederick at Paul.Frederick@vermont.gov. The subject line of the email should include “FPPA Grant” and the application must be accompanied by supporting documentation. Final reports must demonstrate project completion and include documentation of both reimbursed and matched expenditures. All reimbursable costs must fall within the approved grant period, and no retroactive expenses will be considered. For further inquiries regarding eligibility or the application process, applicants are directed to contact Paul Frederick via email. The program remains open while funds last, making timely submission critical. As of the current date, there is no evidence in the source material indicating recurring cycles or deadlines beyond the current availability of funds.