States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Tocalo Co., Ltd. Signs Lease to Establish Coating Service Facility for Semiconductor Equipment Components in Chandler
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 3 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from TOCALO Co., Ltd.:
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Tocalo Co., Ltd. Signs Lease To Establish Coating Service Facility For Semiconductor Equipment Components In Chandler
CHANDLER, AZ (April 2, 2026) - TOCALO Co., Ltd., a Japan-based global leader in advanced surface modification and coating technologies supporting the semiconductor supply chain, has leased 32,045-square- feet of industrial space at 400 N. 56th St. in Chandler, Arizona.
The new Chandler facility will support TOCALO's continued expansion in the United States and strengthen
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PHOENIX, Arizona, April 3 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from TOCALO Co., Ltd.:
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Tocalo Co., Ltd. Signs Lease To Establish Coating Service Facility For Semiconductor Equipment Components In Chandler
CHANDLER, AZ (April 2, 2026) - TOCALO Co., Ltd., a Japan-based global leader in advanced surface modification and coating technologies supporting the semiconductor supply chain, has leased 32,045-square- feet of industrial space at 400 N. 56th St. in Chandler, Arizona.
The new Chandler facility will support TOCALO's continued expansion in the United States and strengthenits ability to serve semiconductor manufacturing equipment providers and other advanced manufacturing customers. Chandler's established innovation ecosystem, highly skilled workforce, and proximity to major transportation and technology corridors were key factors in the company's site selection decision.
"We found Chandler's environment and property to be perfectly aligned with our operational vision," said Yasuki Nakahira, Vice President, Global Business Development Headquarters.
State leaders highlighted the investment as further evidence of Arizona's position as a premier destination for international companies supporting critical technology and semiconductor supply chains.
"TOCALO's new Chandler facility showcases Arizona's leading attractiveness for global semiconductor innovators," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "We are grateful TOCALO chose Arizona, expanding its U.S. operations, and we look forward to supporting their success."
"The expansion of TOCALO to Chandler exemplifies the immersion of the global industry into Greater Phoenix's semiconductor supply chain hub," said Christine Mackay, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council. "We're excited to celebrate this expansion just weeks after Arizona formalized its commitment to semiconductor collaboration with Japan, and to continue building upon these strengths and partnerships that have helped drive the region's growth."
City of Chandler officials emphasized the project's economic impact and the city's ongoing commitment to supporting semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
"Chandler is proud to welcome TOCALO USA - ARIZONA LLC as part of our expanding semiconductor ecosystem," said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. "Tocalo's advanced surface-treatment and thermal-spray technologies are integral to leading semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and the company's decision to locate in west Chandler reflects strong confidence in our workforce, infrastructure and business environment. This investment will strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, create high-quality jobs and further reinforce Chandler's role in the global semiconductor ecosystem. We look forward to supporting Tocalo's successful launch and long-term growth in our community."
"The addition of TOCALO further reinforces Chandler's position within the global semiconductor supply chain," said Micah Miranda, Director of economic development for the City of Chandler. "This investment supports high-precision manufacturing and aligns with the city's strategy to attract advanced manufacturing companies that deliver long-term economic value."
The Chandler facility will further integrate TOCALO into the regional semiconductor supply chain, supporting high-precision manufacturing processes and contributing to Chandler's reputation as a hub for advanced technology and innovation.
The transaction was represented by Kidder Mathews, with Mike Ciosek, SIOR, representing Tocalo Co., Ltd. Additional representation included Ross Brown, Payton Kruidenier and Rick Collins, who represented the building owner.
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About TOCALO Co., Ltd.
TOCALO Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kobe, Japan, is a global leader in advanced surface modification and coating technologies that support critical processes within the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain. Founded in 1951, the company specializes in high-performance surface treatments, including therma
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
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Original text here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2026/4/tocalo-chandler-facility/
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Attends Greater Manchester Chamber State of the State
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 3 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Attends Greater Manchester Chamber State of the State
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined members of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce for a State of the State conversation focused on key priorities affecting the business community, including economic development, housing, education, and childcare.
"New Hampshire continues to lead the nation in so many ways, from public safety and economic opportunity to healthcare and quality of life, and
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 3 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Attends Greater Manchester Chamber State of the State
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined members of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce for a State of the State conversation focused on key priorities affecting the business community, including economic development, housing, education, and childcare.
"New Hampshire continues to lead the nation in so many ways, from public safety and economic opportunity to healthcare and quality of life, andManchester has been an important part of that effort," said Governor Ayotte. "Over the past year, we've worked together to tackle the housing shortage, improve public safety, invest in our schools, and protect critical services for our most vulnerable citizens. We'll keep building on that progress by working closely with our business community and nonprofit partners to deliver an even brighter future for Manchester and all of New Hampshire."
"Governor Ayotte has been a strong partner for Manchester from day one, and her leadership has helped keep our city moving in the right direction," said Mayor Jay Ruais. "The state of Manchester and our state is strong, and by working together on public safety, supporting our schools, and growing our economy, we are ensuring Manchester remains a great place to live, work, and build a business."
The Greater Manchester Chamber event brought together business leaders, community partners, and local officials to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing New Hampshire's largest city and the broader state economy.
During her remarks, Governor Ayotte highlighted several priorities for the year ahead, including increasing housing supply, lowering electric bills, expanding workforce training, expanding access to affordable childcare, and continuing efforts to keep New Hampshire the safest state in the nation.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-attends-greater-manchester-chamber-state-state
N.C. State Treasurer: $2.35 Billion in LGC Finance Approvals Include Major Bank of America Stadium Upgrades
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 3 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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$2.35 Billion in LGC Finance Approvals Include Major Bank of America Stadium Upgrades
Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers, will begin seeing fan-friendly renovations after the Local Government Commission (LGC) approved three financing requests from the city of Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) totaling over $765 million.
The largest of the three requests commission members OK'd at their monthly meeting on April 1 was for $650 million in special
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 3 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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$2.35 Billion in LGC Finance Approvals Include Major Bank of America Stadium Upgrades
Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers, will begin seeing fan-friendly renovations after the Local Government Commission (LGC) approved three financing requests from the city of Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) totaling over $765 million.
The largest of the three requests commission members OK'd at their monthly meeting on April 1 was for $650 million in specialobligation bonds. Proceeds will be used to pay for upgrades to Bank of America Stadium, which also is where the Major League Soccer team Charlotte Football Club plays, and related facilities. Debt service will be paid with occupancy and prepared food tax revenues. The Panthers ownership has said it will invest an additional $150 million in the project. The stadium, opened in 1996, will be modernized with plumbing, electrical and air conditioning renovations, scoreboards, lighting and upgraded seating, with a new upper-deck fan zone, among other improvements.
Charlotte was given the go-ahead to obtain $109 million in certificates of participation for multiple general government projects. Proceeds will pay for costs of expanding the 911 call center, build and/or renovate police, firefighting and other public safety facilities, acquire land, build a new animal care and control adoption facility, and acquire vehicles and equipment.
Charlotte also was given approval to refund $6.6 million in certificates of participation that were used to finance construction and improvements to various public facilities and projects. A net present savings of $269,420 is expected.
State Treasurer Brad Briner chairs the LGC. The commission is staffed by the Department of State Treasurer (DST) and has a statutory duty to approve most debt issued by units of local government and public authorities in the state. The commission examines whether the amount of money units borrow is adequate and reasonable for proposed projects and confirms the governmental units can reasonably afford to repay the debt. It also monitors the financial well-being of more than 1,100 local government units.
In other financing matters on the agenda , LGC members gave a green light to the North Carolina Medical Care Commission (NCMCC) to issue $619.1 million in conduit revenue bonds, a type of financing that allows it to direct the money to a third party. The proceeds will be used to reimburse Wake Forest Baptist Health for construction of the Julie Ann Freischlag Tower in Winston-Salem (Forsyth County) and to refund outstanding bonds. The hospital tower opened in 2025. It includes a 45-bed adult emergency department with four trauma rooms and private bays, 62 private pre-operative and post-operative acute care bays, 28 operating rooms and a private intensive care unit with 16 trauma and 28 cardiovascular ICU rooms.
The NCMCC also approved an application to issue $61.2 million in conduit revenue bonds to pay Plantation Village, a North Carolina nonprofit, for construction of Porter's Neck Village in Wilmington (New Hanover County). Proceeds will be used towards costs to equip, expand and renovate the continuing care retirement facility, demolition of some buildings, construction of 67 new independent living units and a new community building, with outdoor walking paths and other improvements.
LGC members voted in favor of a request from the City of Durham (Durham County) to issue $218 million in revenue bonds to prepay or refund previous financing at a savings.
Durham officials also received approval to issue $136 million in limited obligation bonds for multiple solid waste projects. Those include renovation of the city's Public Works Operations Center, construction and renovation of several fire rescue and police facilities including Fire Stations #18 and #19, and HVAC system renovations at the Durham Performing Arts Center, City Hall and City Hall Annex. Limited obligation bonds do not require voter approval. They will be paid for by city revenues.
The North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency got a thumbs up to issue $150 million in conduit revenue bonds. The proceeds will be used to refund bonds issued by Wake Forest University (Forsyth County) for projects at an academic building, first-year residence hall, Hearn Plaza Residence Halls, the Wellness Center and other campus improvements. The university expects to achieve savings through the new financing.
LGC members signed off on a request from Buncombe County to issue $68 million in limited obligation bonds for improvements to multiple county facilities. Capital projects include vehicles, solid wase projects, courthouse repairs and solar installation on buildings. An existing installment financing contract will be refunded to achieve savings on debt payments.
The LGC also approved Buncombe County's application to issue $58 million in limited obligation bonds for renovations and improvements to buildings in Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools. The county was OK'd to issue $15.2 million in limited obligation bonds to refund existing bonds at a present savings value of $398,000.
LGC members voted to approve a request from Wilmington (New Hanover County) to issue $73.5 million in limited obligation bonds for multiple general government projects. Those include street, sidewalk and streetscape improvements, construction of a parks maintenance complex, Water Street Park improvements and the purchase of radios. Part of the proceeds will be used to refinance existing installment payment obligations.
The city of Lexington (Davidson County) was authorized to use a $43.1 million State Revolving Fund loan for major improvements to remedy issues at the Lexington Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant, built in 1983, has spent significant staff time to resolve periodic maintenance issues in its solids treatment processes. Rate increases of 44.34% in water bills and 48.20% for sewer bills could be implemented, which would raise average monthly water and sewer bills for 5,000 gallons usage from $106.87 to $156.65 by the end of the project in 2030.
Other local government units that successfully applied for financing approvals were:
* Wake County, $21 million in limited obligation bonds for renovations at Hammond Road Detention Facility Annex and building a new Whitaker Mills EMS Station and new Sandy Plains Public Safety Station.
* Franklin County, $17.5 million in limited obligation bonds to purchase land for future economic development. Ashe County, $16 million in limited obligation bonds for solid waste landfill expansion and construction of a 12,500-square-foot metal building for a Department of Environmental Services/Solid Waste office and maintenance shop functions.
* Surf City (Onslow and Pender counties), $6.1 million State Revolving Fund loan for water projects including a new well, water lines and pumping equipment; and a $5.2 million installment financing contract for new public utilities facilities including equipment and material storage, maintenance buildings, office space, parking and access areas in Hampstead.
* Brunswick County, $8.5 million State Revolving Fund loan for wastewater collection system work in Southport. Seven sanitary sewer overflows have occurred in the past five years, and the upgrades should alleviate the problem.
* Marshville (Union County), $8.3 million installment financing contract and grant anticipation notes to improve the town wastewater system. Two new pump stations will be built and an existing pump station will be upgraded.
* Washington (Beaufort County), $3.6 million State Revolving Fund loan for sewer system upgrades including replacement of deteriorating cast iron and asbestos mains that are deteriorating and rupturing.
* Troutman (Iredell County), $2.1 million installment financing contract to install lighting in ESC Park.
* Mebane (Alamance and Orange counties), $700,000 installment financing contract to purchase property at 202 South Fifth St. to serve as headquarters for the inspections department.
In other action, LGC members approved resolutions to approve grants from the state Viable Utility Reserve that have received necessary approval from the State Water Infrastructure Authority. They are:
Asset inventory and assessment grants, $980,000 total -- Belmont (Gaston County); Benson (Johnston County); Goldsboro (Wayne County).
Merger/Regionalization feasibility study grants, $700,000 total -- Beaufort County; Greenevers (Columbus County); Princeton (Johnston County).
Drinking water grants, $4 million total -- Aurora (Beaufort County); Cerro Gordo (Columbus County); Gibson (Scotland County); McAdenville (Gaston County); Newport (Carteret County); Pink Hill (Lenoir County); Princeton.
Wastewater grants, $52.8 million total -- Aurora; Bladenboro (Bladen County); Boardman (Columbus County); Farmville (Pitt County); Grifton (Pitt County); Hookerton (Greene County); Hot Springs (Madison County); Jamesville (Martin County); Norwood (Stanly County); Pilot Mountain (Surry County); Princeton; Ramseur (Randolph County); Robbins (Moore County); Walstonburg (Greene County); Waynesville (Haywood County); Wilkesboro (Wilkes County).
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Original text here: https://www.nctreasurer.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/02/235-billion-lgc-finance-approvals-include-major-bank-america-stadium-upgrades
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Welcomes Project Ideas for the 2026 Mississippi Multiyear Implementation Plan Amendment and the Mississippi State Expenditure Plan Amendment
JACKSON, Mississippi, April 3 -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Welcomes Project Ideas for the 2026 Mississippi Multiyear Implementation Plan Amendment and the Mississippi State Expenditure Plan Amendment
The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act) established a new Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States known as the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. Eighty
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JACKSON, Mississippi, April 3 -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Welcomes Project Ideas for the 2026 Mississippi Multiyear Implementation Plan Amendment and the Mississippi State Expenditure Plan Amendment
The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act) established a new Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States known as the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. Eightypercent of the civil penalties paid after July 6, 2012, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321) in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will be deposited into the Trust Fund and invested. Trust Fund amounts will be available for programs, projects, and activities described in the RESTORE Act.
Two of the programs are the Direct Component (Bucket 1), administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Spill Impact Component-Gulf RESTORE Program (Bucket 3), administered by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. These components required Mississippi, through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), to prepare a Multiyear Implementation Plan (MIP, Bucket 1, 2016) and a State Expenditure Plan (SEP, Bucket 3, 2017) describing each activity, project or program for which Mississippi seeks funding. These plans are periodically amended.
In preparation of the upcoming amendments for both plans, we welcome you to submit new restoration project ideas or revise previously submitted ideas in the project portal . Mississippi Restoration Project Portal (https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/restoration/project-portal/)
Please note that the project portal is always available for project idea submissions. In order to allow sufficient time for the Governor's Gulf Coast Advisory Committee to review new and revised projects, please provide or update your project(s) ideas by May 15, 2026.
Thank you for your engagement in this process. We look forward to considering your restoration project ideas.
Questions about project portal idea submissions may be emailed to: restore.portal@mdeq.ms.gov
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Original text here: https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/the-mississippi-department-of-environmental-quality-welcomes-project-ideas-for-the-2026-mississippi-multiyear-implementation-plan-amendment-and-the-mississippi-state-expenditure-plan-amendment/?_gl=1*lo29x2*_ga*MTk3NjE2OTI0Ny4xNzcwMjA0NTEw*_ga_M4LJB5WTT2*czE3NzUyMTEzOTYkbzExJGcwJHQxNzc1MjExMzk2JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..
Idaho Environmental Quality Dept. Finalizes IPDES Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Stormwater Discharges
BOISE, Idaho, April 3 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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DEQ Finalizes IPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Industrial Stormwater Discharges
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) finalized the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity.
The public comment period for the draft permit began on December 19, 2025, and closed on February 2, 2026. DEQ's responses to comments are included in Appendix
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BOISE, Idaho, April 3 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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DEQ Finalizes IPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Industrial Stormwater Discharges
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) finalized the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity.
The public comment period for the draft permit began on December 19, 2025, and closed on February 2, 2026. DEQ's responses to comments are included in AppendixL of the Fact Sheet. Any resulting changes to the MSGP or Fact Sheet are documented therein.
A final general permit decision constitutes DEQ's final action to issue, deny, modify, revoke and reissue, or terminate a permit, per IDAPA 58.01.25.107.04. The final MSGP and Fact Sheet are available on DEQ's website (https://www.deq.idaho.gov/permits/issued-permits-and-water-quality-certifications/).
Persons affected by an IPDES general permit may not file a petition or otherwise challenge the conditions of a general permit in further DEQ administrative proceedings (IDAPA 58.01.25.204.27.a). Instead, they may:
* Challenge the conditions of the general permit by filing an action in court; or
* Apply for an individual IPDES permit.
The IPDES MSGP was issued on April 02, 2026, and becomes effective on May 02, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/deq-finalizes-ipdes-multi-sector-general-permit-msgp-for-industrial-stormwater-discharges/
Ga. Labor Dept.: Georgia Hits Record Highs in Labor Force and Employment as Job Growth Continues
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 3 -- The Georgia Department of Labor issued the following news on April 2, 2026:
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Georgia Hits Record Highs in Labor Force and Employment as Job Growth Continues
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced today that Georgia's unemployment rate for January 2026 was 3.5%, holding steady from a revised 3.5% in December. January's unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage point lower than the national unemployment rate. Georgia's rate was 3.4% one year ago.
"Georgia continues to lead as one of the nation's Top States for Talent," said Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara
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ATLANTA, Georgia, April 3 -- The Georgia Department of Labor issued the following news on April 2, 2026:
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Georgia Hits Record Highs in Labor Force and Employment as Job Growth Continues
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced today that Georgia's unemployment rate for January 2026 was 3.5%, holding steady from a revised 3.5% in December. January's unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage point lower than the national unemployment rate. Georgia's rate was 3.4% one year ago.
"Georgia continues to lead as one of the nation's Top States for Talent," said Georgia Labor Commissioner BarbaraRivera Holmes. "With record highs in both our labor force and employment, more Georgians are stepping into mortgage-paying jobs and opportunity, while employers continue choosing Georgia to grow and succeed. This is the advantage of a state that's built for jobs, powered by talent, and focused on what comes next."
In January, jobs were up 1,200 over the month to 4,984,300 and were up 9,300 over the past 12 months. After three consecutive months of job losses from August to October 2025, Georgia has now added jobs for three months in a row.
The sectors reaching an all-time high for jobs in January 2026 were construction, 237,500; and health care and social assistance, 636,000.
In January, the sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included retail trade, 2,200; health care and social assistance, 2,100; construction, 1,300; transportation, warehousing, and utilities, 1,200; and accommodation and food services, 800. Jobs were down over the month in administrative and support services, 2,200; wholesale trade, 1,200; durable goods manufacturing, 900; federal government, 800; and private educational services, 600.
The sectors with the most job gains over the past year included health care and social assistance, 22,200; construction, 5,700; local government, 4,400; state government, 1,300; and three industries all gaining 900 each: arts, entertainment, and recreation; real estate and rental and leasing; and accommodation and food services. Jobs were down over-the-year in federal government, 12,500; wholesale trade, 4,100; information, 4,000; transportation, warehousing, and utilities, 2,300; and retail trade, 1,400.
Georgia's labor force increased by 4,210 to 5,445,612 in January, an all-time high, and rose by 32,092 over the past year.
Employment rose by 1,827 to 5,252,878, an all-time high, and increased by 23,810 over the past 12 months.
Unemployment rose by 2,383 to 192,734 in January and was up 8,282 over the past year.
Initial claims were up 1,052 over the month to 27,703 in January and down 6,791 over the year.
For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us. For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL's Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.
For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer (https://explorer.gdol.ga.gov/) to view a comprehensive report.
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Original text here: https://dol.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-04-02/georgia-hits-record-highs-labor-force-and-employment-job-growth-continues
Conn. Energy Dept. Announces Receipt of Wood Innovation Grants
HARTFORD, Connecticut, April 3 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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DEEP Announces Receipt of Wood Innovation Grants
Federal Grants Will Support Connecticut's Economy and Protect Forests
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced it has received two competitive Wood Innovation Grants totaling $750,000 through the United States Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant Program. The grants will support initiatives that strengthen Connecticut's forest products
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HARTFORD, Connecticut, April 3 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release on April 2, 2026:
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DEEP Announces Receipt of Wood Innovation Grants
Federal Grants Will Support Connecticut's Economy and Protect Forests
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced it has received two competitive Wood Innovation Grants totaling $750,000 through the United States Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant Program. The grants will support initiatives that strengthen Connecticut's forest productsindustry while promoting responsible forest management.
The DEEP Forestry Division's objective is to promote healthy and diverse forest ecosystems. Forests enhance water and air quality, while providing habitats for native species that are threatened or endangered. Our forests also offer recreational opportunities, a sustainable source of wood products used locally and around the world, and carbon sequestration and storage.
"These innovative grants promote responsible forest management practices that protect wetlands while also supporting a local value chain for wood products," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "Wood is approximately 50 percent carbon, and locally sourced, durable wood products act as long-term carbon storage, helping to support Connecticut's broader climate goals.
Branding the Future of Connecticut's Forest Products: Connecticut's Wood Utilization Team
With one grant, DEEP will establish a Wood Utilization Team to promote the use of Connecticut-grown forest products among residents, businesses, and local communities. The team will develop a website to provide a centralized resource for Connecticut's forest products industry.
The website will connect "primary producers" (e.g, sawmills) and "secondary producers" (e.g., furniture manufacturers) participating in the CT Grown Forest Products Program, provide a directory of active wood product producers across the state, and offer a single location for posting Requests for Proposals across forest industry sectors. The site will also serve as an educational resource and job board for employers and job seekers interested in careers in the forest products industry.
To further promote Connecticut-grown wood products, producers will have access to "CT Grown" branding irons and promotional tents featuring approved Connecticut Grown Forest Products logos. Participating producers also will be highlighted in Connecticut Grown Magazine. The total award to DEEP under this grant is $249,610.
Support for Best Management Practices in Timber Harvesting to Protect Forested Wetlands and Watercourses
With the second grant, DEEP will provide financial assistance to members of the Connecticut Professional Timber Producers Association, also known as Timpro, through a rent-to-own program for more than 500 timber mats and up to five sets of temporary steel bridges. A timber mat is a heavy-duty, portable, and reusable platform constructed from bolted hardwood timbers designed to provide machinery with stable access over muddy or wet ground. Steel bridges are similarly used to protect watercourses that must be crossed by machinery during a harvest. These materials reduce erosion, protect wildlife, and allow timber harvesters to follow best management practices that protect streams and wetlands during harvesting operations. The total award to DEEP under this grant is $500,000.
As part of the project, DEEP also will enhance the Connecticut Best Management Practices mobile app, which was released in November 2024. A new feature will allow users to draw trails and measure distances directly on the map, helping timber harvesters calculate the cost and placement of best management practices such as timber mats and bridges.
To learn more about locally grown forest products, visit Connecticut Grown Forest Products (https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/FPA-and-UM/UM/CT-Grown/CT-Grown-Forest-Products) and Connecticut's Primary Wood Processors (https://portal.ct.gov/deep/forestry/fpa-and-um/um/ct-grown/primary-wood-processors).
To learn more about Connecticut's Forest Practitioners, visit Find a Forest Practitioner (https://portal.ct.gov/deep/forestry/fpa-and-um/forest-practices-act/find-a-forest-practitioner).
To learn more about best management practices for water quality while harvesting forest products, visit Best Management Practices (https://portal.ct.gov/deep/forestry/forest-practitioner-certification/best-management-practices).
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/news-releases/news-releases---2026/deep-announces-receipt-of-wood-innovation-grants
