The goals of this project include: 1) update and modernize the grantees biomass yard processes to reduce wait times for truck deliveries, resulting in a more consistent demand for biomass from…

Award Details: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region awarded $252,642 to the Fall River Resource Conservation District (RCD) under the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act Financial Assistance to Facilities that Purchase and Process Byproducts for Ecosystem Restoration program (CFDA 10.725). The grant was awarded on September 5, 2025, with a completion deadline of August 30, 2028.

Products and Services: The Fall River RCD will modernize and upgrade its biomass processing facility in Burney, California to improve operational efficiency and expand capacity for processing woody byproducts from ecosystem restoration projects in northeastern California. Specific deliverables include the installation of truck scales, an automated delivery kiosk, and load scanning systems to reduce truck delivery wait times and enable extended operating hours. The project also encompasses engineering services for cement repair at the truck scales, design of a spill containment system at the truck dump, and assessments of other facility infrastructure needs. These improvements will support consistent biomass sourcing for ecosystem restoration initiatives while retaining 31 jobs and providing continued economic stimulus to the local Burney community. Project activities include progress monitoring and documentation of lessons learned throughout the performance period.

The goals of this project include: 1) update and modernize the grantees biomass yard processes to reduce wait times for truck deliveries, resulting in a more consistent demand for biomass from ecosystem restoration projects; 2) identify, plan for, and engineer other improvements and upgrades to the grantees aging technology, reduce maintenance costs, and overall improve operational efficiencies that will help ensure the facilitys longevity; 3) retain 31 jobs for the community of burney, and continue providing economic stimulus for the local area; and 4) continue providing an important market and outlet for woody biomass from ecosystem restoration projects in northeastern california. The project activities are to: 1) purchase and install truck scales, an automated delivery kiosk, and load scan system to improve biomass delivery efficiencies and allow the grantee to extend its hours for accepting biomass; 2) perform engineering for cement repair at the truck scales and spill containment system at the truck dump, and other facility needs as identified; 3) monitor progress and report on lessons learned.