Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Region 8 - Southern Region awarded $500,000 to the Mississippi Forestry Commission on July 2, 2026, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Temporary Bridge Program (CFDA 10.721). The project extends through July 1, 2031, and supports the establishment and operation of a bridge rental and cost-share program designed to provide portable temporary water crossing structures to loggers and forest management contractors operating in Mississippi. The program utilizes portable skidder bridges and bridge mats as alternatives to temporary culvert and debris crossings, thereby minimizing stream bed disturbance and reducing water quality impacts during forest management and timber harvesting operations.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission will operate the rental program under a fee-rental, no-cost rental, or rent-to-own model, making temporary crossing infrastructure available to contractors and private landowners for use across streams, wet areas, and other sensitive environments. This funding supports the acquisition and maintenance of temporary water crossing equipment that enables safe forest management activities while protecting aquatic ecosystems and reducing worker safety risks associated with alternative crossing methods.