Connecticut Receives $750,000 Grants for Wood Innovation

Funding will promote responsible forest management and create new opportunities for wood products businesses.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A bold, abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, representing the complex interconnected systems of a sustainable forest ecosystem.A conceptual illustration depicting the intricate web of natural systems that a healthy forest ecosystem supports, as Connecticut invests in sustainable forestry practices.Hartford Today

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has received approximately $750,000 in grant funding to promote healthy and diverse forest ecosystems across the state. The grants will be used to create a Wood Utilization Team, develop a new website to connect sawmills and furniture manufacturers, and enhance DEEP's mobile app to help users plan outdoor recreation activities.

Why it matters

These grants support Connecticut's broader climate goals by promoting the use of locally sourced, durable wood products that act as long-term carbon storage. They also aim to create new economic opportunities in the wood products industry and make outdoor recreation more accessible for residents.

The details

The first grant of $249,610 will be used to create a Wood Utilization Team that will promote wood products across Connecticut for small community businesses and residents. The team will develop a new website to connect sawmills and furniture manufacturers through the CT Grown Forests Products Program, and showcase participating producers in Connecticut's Grown Magazine. The second grant of $500,000 from Timpro will provide timber and hardwood to support these efforts. DEEP's mobile app will also be enhanced to allow users to draw trails, calculate costs, and measure distances.

  • On April 2, 2026, DEEP announced the receipt of the grants.

The players

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)

The state agency responsible for promoting healthy and diverse forest ecosystems in Connecticut, as well as managing the grants for wood innovation.

Timpro

A company that is providing $500,000 in grant funding to support DEEP's efforts in the wood products industry.

Katie Dykes

The Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

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What they’re saying

“These innovative grants promote responsible forest management practices that protect wetlands.”

— Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

What’s next

DEEP plans to use the grants to create new economic opportunities in the wood products industry, enhance outdoor recreation resources, and support the state's broader climate goals through the use of locally sourced, durable wood products.

The takeaway

These grants demonstrate Connecticut's commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices, creating new jobs in the wood products industry, and making outdoor recreation more accessible for residents. By investing in wood innovation, the state is taking steps to address climate change and support its local communities.