$11.4 Million for “Wood-To-Energy” Projects in Maine

15 public buildings in Maine could soon be heated with wood-biomass systems rather than fossil fuels now that the USDA Forest Service is sending $11.4 million in Wood-To-Energy grant funding to the state.

“The Wood-To-Energy Grant funding will create jobs and help create markets for forest products,” said Congressman Mike Michaud. “These funds will assist several counties and municipalities convert their buildings to renewable energy from woody biomass. The granting of these Wood-To-Energy funds is an excellent investment in our state. It also has the added benefit of reducing our fossil fuel energy consumption and reducing our country’s reliance on foreign oil.”

The eligible counties for the funding are Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Washington. County officials will need to work with Augusta to determine which public buildings should be converted.