- May 16, 2024
Kelly, Sinema Announce More Than $3.7 Million in Wood Innovations Funds to Fuel Projects Preserving Arizona Forest Lands
Projects are funded in part by the Sinema-led and Kelly-shaped bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic climate and energy law
Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced a total of $3,745,000 for wood innovations projects across Northern Arizona that will preserve Arizona’s forest lands and boost Arizona’s wood products economy.
The investments—awarded through the U.S. Forest Service’s Wood Innovations program—were funded in part by the Sinema-led and Kelly-shaped bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic climate and energy law.
“These investments will protect Arizona forests while boosting sustainable solutions that benefit our environment and economy. I will continue supporting innovative approaches to tackle climate challenges, create jobs, and support healthy forests and communities,” said Kelly.
“We secured funds investing in Northern Arizona businesses so they can lead innovative efforts reducing harmful emissions, boosting economic opportunities, and preserve our stunning forests for generations to come,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Novo BioPower is so excited and grateful to our partners at the US Forest Service for awarding $1 Million for use by Novo BioPower to overhaul our steam turbine and condenser,” said Brad Worsley, President and CEO of Novo Power. “This would not have happened without the support of both Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service. A very special thank you to Senator Sinema and Senator Kelly for their continued support for this keystone facility in the restoration of Arizona’s federal forests! This investment of WPIA grant dollars will assure that the central equipment in turning biomass from a forest liability to a renewable electron will be refurbished and improved. A big thank you from Novo BioPower to all of our partners!”
Below is a breakdown of the investments Kelly and Sinema secured:
| Recipient | Project Title | Award Amount |
| Bluestone Renewables Holding LLC | Planning for Hydrogen to Methanol Project | $300,000 |
| California Hotwood | New Firewood Packaging Facility in Dewey, AZ | $150,000 |
| Kaibab Millworks LLC | Kaibab Mill Improvement Project | $145,000 |
| Lignetics | Packaging Line and Control Systems Upgrades | $300,000 |
| Novo Star Wood Products LLC | Novo Star Wood Products Sawmill Expansion | $300,000 |
| Arizona Log & TimberWorks LLC | Composting Forest Waste to Produce Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendments and Help Meet the Demand for Additional Organic Matter Created by the USDA Organic Farming Initiative | $1,000,000 |
| Dakota Logging | Yavapai Firewood Processing Facility Equipment | $550,000 |
| Novo BioPower | Biomass Power Plant Turbine Overhaul and Condenser Retube | $1,000,000 |
| TOTAL: $3,745,000 |
