This project will consolidate two production lines into an integrated hardwood planer/grading line at a sawmill in wilkesboro, north carolina. Production is expected to nearly double

Church & Church Lumber, LLC received a $325,000 Project Grant from the USDA Forest Service under the Wood Utilization Assistance program (CFDA 10.674) awarded on September 15, 2025. The award funds the consolidation of two production lines into an integrated hardwood planer and grading line at the company's sawmill facility in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This capital-intensive infrastructure project is designed to significantly improve operational efficiency, with production expected to nearly double upon completion.

The Wood Utilization Assistance program provides technical and financial assistance to strengthen the forest products industry and expand wood product markets. This award supports the installation of sawmill processing equipment—specifically the planer and grading line infrastructure—which aligns with the program's focus on developing wood processing capacity and supporting sustainable forest management. The project is scheduled for completion by September 14, 2030, representing a five-year implementation timeline typical of Forest Service grants and cooperative agreements.