Statewide Wood Waste Utilization Grant

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) launched the Statewide Wood Waste Utilization Grant to address the increasing volume of wood waste entering the state’s waste stream. With emerging threats such as the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, other tree diseases, and impacts of climate change like severe weather events and urban development, Minnesota communities are experiencing a surge in woody biomass that is often disposed of through open burning or landfilling. These disposal methods release carbon and other particulates into the atmosphere, undermining air quality and failing to harness the potential benefits of this natural resource. This grant program was designed to support projects across Minnesota that increase or improve the utilization of wood waste, promoting environmentally responsible practices. Eligible project types include efforts to transform woody biomass into energy, soil amendments, carbon storage mediums, durable wood products, and other beneficial uses consistent with the wood utilization hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes tree preservation, followed by creating durable wood products, soil amendments, bioenergy, and finally disposal as a last resort. Applicants eligible for funding include not-for-profit organizations, businesses, institutions, state agencies, tribal governments, and political subdivisions of the state such as cities, counties, and towns. Collaborative applications involving multiple organizations were encouraged. Projects are evaluated based on their position in the wood utilization hierarchy and the volume of material managed, promoting those with higher environmental benefits. The program offered a minimum of $1 million in total funding, with distinct tracks for large and smaller projects. Large projects could request between $100,000 and $250,000, while smaller projects ranged from $10,000 to $99,999. A cost share of at least 20% of the grant request was required from all applicants. Funds could be used for staffing, equipment and supplies, transportation, and other related activities that directly support wood waste utilization. Applications were submitted exclusively through the SWIFT online portal, where applicants registered as bidders to access and respond to the event listing (ID: 2000016227). The RFP and all relevant materials were made available through this system without requiring a login. Applicants were advised to direct any questions via email to grants.pca@state.mn.us by November 15, as direct contact with MPCA staff was prohibited to maintain fairness. Applications for this opportunity closed on November 22, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. MPCA hosted a virtual informational session to review the grant process and answer questions. Given the ongoing nature of wood waste challenges and the long-term benefits of sustainable utilization, this grant is expected to recur annually or at regular intervals.

Submit questions by the deadline; do not contact MPCA staff directly; must use SWIFT portal only.