This award will be utilized by the recipient to invest in a new facility, to be constructed near monticello, arkansas

Weyerhaeuser NR Company received an $802,533 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Region 8 - Southern Region, under the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program (CFDA 10.708) on September 8, 2025. The award will support the construction of a new engineered wood products facility near Monticello, Arkansas, designed to utilize southern yellow pine and a biomass-fueled cogeneration system for sustainable operations. The facility is projected to create 180 jobs while strengthening Arkansas's timber industry and expanding the recipient's market position in engineered wood products.

The project aligns with the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program's objectives to supplement capital costs for innovative wood products facilities in regions with limited market opportunities for low-value and low-quality wood. The award carries a five-year performance period extending through September 7, 2030, and supports the program's broader goals of forest health improvement, local economic development, and utilization of wood biomass resources. This funding represents a merit-based investment in wood industry infrastructure and workforce development in the Southern Region.

Using southern yellow pine and a biomass-fueled cogeneration system, the plant aligns with sustainability goals while creating 180 jobs. The project strengthens arkansass timber industry, supports local economic growth, and expands the recipients role in the engineered wood market.