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Closed: Statewide wood waste utilization grant

The MPCA had at least $1 million to support wood waste utilization projects across the state.

This grant program aims to reduce open burning, land disposal, and landfilling of woody biomass by funding projects that improve utilization of this resource for energy production, soil amendments, carbon storage, durable wood products, and other projects that demonstrate beneficial use as laid out in the wood utilization hierarchy.

Closed Applications were due Nov. 22, 2024.

Questions and answers

Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “Statewide Wood Waste Utilization Grants” no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, November 15.

MPCA employees cannot answer questions about this grant opportunity, and direct contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification. 

18516: Statewide wood waste utilization grant info session playback
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Informational meeting

The MPCA held a virtual meeting to discuss this grant opportunity, the SWIFT process, and answer questions from participants (40 min.).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include entities that are serving Minnesota communities or have operations in Minnesota, such as not-for-profit organizations, businesses, institutions, political subdivisions of the state (including counties, cities, town, etc.), state agencies, and tribal governments. Multi-organizational collaboration is allowed.

Eligible projects. Funds may be used for programs, staffing, equipment/supplies, transportation, and other activities that demonstrate increased or improved utilization of wood waste. Among other factors, projects will be scored based on the where they lie within the wood waste utilization hierarchy and the volume of material being addressed.

Available funds

A minimum of approximately $1 million in funding will be awarded. Applicants must match at least 20% of the grant request.

Large projects ($750,000)

  • Maximum award: $250,000
  • Minimum award: $100,000

Smaller projects

  • Maximum award: $99,999
  • Minimum award: $10,000

How to apply

The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be viewed through the online SWIFT portal. The RFP is termed an “Event” within the SWIFT system.

  1. Go to the online SWIFT portal.
  2. Click on "Bidding opportunities".
  3. Find the event by name (MPCA-Wood Waste Utilization Grant) or ID (2000016227).
  4. Click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms. (There’s no need to log in to see the documents.)

Grant applications are only accepted through the SWIFT portal.

  1. Register as a bidder in the SWIFT Supplier Portal, (Bidding = "applying")
  2. Choose "Register for an Account" and then "Register as a Bidder".

If you are already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor), use your supplier ID. Visit the SWIFT Supplier Portal under “Informational Tips” and “Supplier Portal Help” for more information. For questions about applying through SWIFT, please contact the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.

More information

With the increase of the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, emerging tree diseases and pests, ongoing urban development, and increased severe weather events resulting from climate change, trees are entering our waste stream at an alarming level. These trees are increasingly managed by means of open burning or land disposal, releasing their biogenic carbon and other particulate matter without any beneficial use. The volume of wood waste is anticipated to increase for at least five years into the future and will likely remain above current levels for at least a decade. Responsible management of this valuable resource is needed to improve air quality, soil health, and energy efficiencies throughout the state.

Wood utilization hierarchy

Listed from most preferable (1) to least (5).

  1. Tree preservation - Treatment of diseased trees, tree care, maintaining forest carbon sinks
  2. Durable wood products - Timber, lumber, building materials, furniture, decorative wood products, biochar
  3. Soil amendments - Biochar, compost, mulch
  4. BioEnergy - Combined heat & power, thermal energy, pelletizing, biogas, advanced biofuels, sustainable aviation fuels
  5. Disposal - Open burning, land disposal, landfilling