This is a rent-to-own program that funds temporary water crossings for loggers in north carolina to allow for temporary bridges to protect waterways during timber harvesting operations

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R8-Southern Region awarded $500,000 to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services on July 2, 2026, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Temporary Bridge Program (CFDA 10.721), to establish a rent-to-own program providing temporary water crossings for loggers in North Carolina during timber harvesting operations.

The program funds the purchase and rental of temporary bridges or bridge mats designed to minimize stream bed disturbance on non-Federal and Federal land. The rent-to-own model allows loggers and contractors to access temporary crossing structures for forest management activities without permanent infrastructure installation. Performance runs through July 1, 2031, with work conducted in North Carolina. The grant program permits extension requests submitted in writing to the Program Manager at least 60 days in advance, contingent on submission of an updated SF-424. Reimbursements and advances are processed upon receipt of an SF-270.