Central Idaho Mill Awarded USDA TPEP Funds

On Monday, USDA announced a $115.2 million investment to expand timber production and enhance forest health.  

The funds come via the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program, better known as TPEP, which is designed to ensure sawmills and other wood processing facilities have the necessary funding to establish, reopen, expand, or improve their operations.   

Monday’s announcement will fund operations is eight states, including Idaho, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  In Idaho, $9 million will go to Tamarack Mill, LLC outside of New Meadows.

USDA said these funds are part of the Administration’s effort to expand American timber production by 25%, reduce wildfire risk, and save American lives and communities by strengthening domestic wood processing capacity. 

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement of a $115.2M investment to support sawmills and wood processing facilities is excellent news," said Representative Russ Fulcher. "Idaho's timber industry will greatly benefit from these investments—helping reduce wildfire risk, providing good-paying jobs, and strengthening domestic wood processing capacity." 

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