The New York Department of State has announced the availability of up to $7 million in grant funding in FY 2023 for Northern border communities through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) 2023 Forest Economy Program. Eligible nonprofit and governmental entities in the Northern Border region of New York State can apply for grants up to $1 million for each project to support the local forest-based economy and to assist in the forest industry’s evolution to include new technologies and viable business models.
Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said New York’s forested lands are a significant contributor to the state’s economy and provide benefits to both residents and visitors. He expressed gratitude to the federal government for their support and for making the funding available.
Funds will be awarded to support projects in the forest economy, which may include community development, workforce training and development, marketing and communication, education, business planning and technical assistance, and public infrastructure projects that support the forest industry.
Potential applicants must submit Letters of Interest (LOI) to be considered for funding. LOIs will be accepted on a rolling basis with two deadlines for summer and winter award consideration. LOIs for summer award consideration are due by March 10th, 2023, by 5 p.m., and LOIs for winter award consideration are due by September 15th, 2023, by 5 p.m. LOIs must be submitted as one pdf file to [email protected] with the email subject line of “FOREST ECONOMY PROGRAM LOI.”
The 9-member Advisory Board, consisting of forest economy representatives from each of the four NBRC states, will evaluate LOIs and determine which applicants will be invited to submit a full application due either April 28th for summer award consideration or November 3rd for winter award consideration. The application and required support documentation must be submitted via one email to [email protected] with the e-mail subject line of “FOREST ECONOMY PROGRAM APPLICATION.”
NBRC Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders said the program places a renewed focus on supporting businesses and communities in Northern New England and New York as they seek out new and innovative markets for wood products.
For additional information, including the 2023 Forest Economy Program overview and timeline, please visit: https://www.nbrc.gov/content/FEP.
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