Jobs in the Woods Act Proposes $10M Yearly for Rural Forestry Training Grants

This bill, the "Jobs in the Woods Act," aims to set up a new competitive grant program focused on forestry workforce development. If enacted, the Secretary of Agriculture would oversee the distribution of $10,000,000 annually from 2025 through 2029. These funds are earmarked for training programs in forestry operations and related industries, specifically targeting what the bill defines as "eligible areas": low-income, nonmetropolitan areas with populations of 20,000 or less that also have access to reliable, high-speed broadband (at least 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload).

Planting Seeds for New Careers

The grants themselves would range from $500,000 to $2,000,000 and last up to four years. Who can apply? The bill lists "eligible entities" as nonprofit organizations, State, Indian Tribal, and local governments, along with institutions of higher education. Applicants need to show they can run a solid training program, demonstrate the need in their area, outline how many people they expect to reach, and have a plan for keeping the program going. Priority goes to applicants tackling issues like an aging workforce or youth leaving rural areas, those partnering with local high schools or community colleges, and those who can help place trainees into actual jobs. Think of a community college in a timber town using a grant to launch a certification program in sustainable logging or forest tech, aiming to keep younger folks employed locally.

The Broadband Barrier and Who Benefits

While the goal is boosting rural economies, a key detail is the requirement for robust broadband infrastructure in these "eligible areas." This includes not just the 100/20 Mbps speed but also low latency and high reliability (less than 48 hours of outage per year). This could be a significant hurdle for some remote communities that fit the low-income and population criteria but haven't yet secured that level of internet access. Essentially, the program targets connected rural areas for forestry job growth. The direct beneficiaries are the organizations receiving grants and the individuals getting trained, potentially leading to more skilled workers for forestry businesses in qualifying regions.