DNRC News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paula Rosenthal, Forestry Division
(406) 370-5334 or (406) 542-4235
ARRA Funds Second Round of Forest Treatments
DNRC solicits proposals for 'Jump Start 2;' Some projects to be funded in 2-3 weeks.
June 2, 2009
Missoula, Montana – Montana DNRC is announcing a second "Jump Start" solicitation effort to deliver up to $5 million in federal ARRA assistance to local forest workers for forest restoration and fuels reduction work around the state. A Request for Proposals was released today, and some projects could receive funding before the end of June.
"We have a commitment from the Forest Service and we are moving forward in soliciting projects so that as soon as we get the money, we can get it out the door," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "It comes not a moment too soon for many Montana loggers, contractors and mills who continue to struggle under the weight of the collapsed housing market and low demand for wood products."
As in the first Jump Start program, most of the proposed work will be done within the wildland urban interface as designated by local county governments. Many of the projects are expected to be collaborative, involving multiple public and private landowners, contractors and mills. It's estimated that up to 8000 acres will be treated via thinning, commercial harvest and brush disposal. Proposed treatments that occur on state trust lands will accomplish fuels reduction work, provide revenue for trust beneficiaries, and help comply with SB113 from the 2009 Montana legislative session.
Deadline for submission of proposals will be July 10, 2009, with early funding consideration for projects received by June 17. "In an effort to get money released as soon as possible, we will have two funding cycles," explained DNRC Director Mary Sexton. "We will evaluate all proposals submitted by June 17 in the early cycle for up to half of the available funding; all unfunded projects plus those received by the July 10 deadline will be considered during the final funding cycle, with the intent to distribute funds the following week."
Complete details on Jump Start 2 are available on the DNRC website. For more information, contact Roger Ziesak with DNRC at (406) 542-4338.
###DNRC###
John Grassy
Public Information Officer
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
(406) 444-0465
