In the rural Northern Forest, federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act present both unique opportunities and challenges for communities hoping to access federal dollars to improve critical infrastructure. Here are some of the highlights and key issues the Center has been tracking as the bill progresses.

The Center works with Community Development Entities to make tax credits available under the federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program.

Homeowners can receive up to a 26% federal tax credit on residential installations of high-efficiency wood heating systems such as pellet stoves and whole-home pellet boilers.

Federal funding is an important element in the “capital stack” — the mix of private philanthropy, public grants, tax credits and impact investment dollars — that the Center raises for projects that benefit the region.

Automated Wood Heat demonstration projects and marketing efforts are transforming the Northern Forest’s energy economy.

We’re supporting efforts to make wood a common construction choice for large buildings in the Northeast and to produce Mass Timber in the region as well.

Cutting trees helps forests remain forests. Learn how strong wood markets help keep the region’s forests intact.

The Center serves as a strong voice bringing the issues of The Northern Forest and other rural regions to the attention of congress and agency staff who shape policies that directly affect rural communities.

The Center advocates for public policies and regional investment that support community economic development opportunities, markets for sustainably produced forest products and services, and forest stewardship and conservation.

The Center builds connections and collaborations across the Northern Forest region. We convene regional gatherings to shape and advance a shared agenda for the region.