The state of ohio will establish a temporary bridge rental program to support active forest management and timber harvesting where crossing streams, wet areas, buried energy pipelines, and other…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, $313,400 on March 9, 2026, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Temporary Bridge Program (CFDA 10.721).

The Division of Forestry will establish a temporary bridge rental program to support active forest management and timber harvesting across Ohio. The program will deliver temporary bridges and bridge mats to loggers and contractors for hauling and skidding timber across streams, wet areas, buried energy pipelines, and other buried infrastructure. By providing safe crossing structures, the program expands access to additional timber-producing acres, reduces haul distances, and improves timber sale economics. The program is administered in cooperation with local soil and water conservation districts.

The award will also deliver improved worker safety and protection of buried energy infrastructure, reduced sediment tracking onto highways, and improved water quality through minimized stream bed disturbance. The program may operate as a fee-rental, no-cost rental, or rent-to-own model.

Performance occurs in Ohio, with a period of performance extending through June 30, 2030.

The state of ohio will establish a temporary bridge rental program to support active forest management and timber harvesting where crossing streams, wet areas, buried energy pipelines, and other buried infrastructure is required. The state will be administering the program in cooperation with local soil and water conservation districts and delivering temporary bridges and bridge mats to loggers to use for hauling and skidding timber safely across streams, wet areas, and pipelines, allowing more optimal production of american timber. The bridges improve access to additional acres producing additional timber over life of bridges. Reduced haul distance for additional acres reducing costs and improving timber sale economics by millions of dollars over the life of the bridges. Improved safety for workers and other bridge users and to the public by preventing the tracking of MUD onto highways. Improved water quality and protection of buried energy infrastructure.