The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa received a $200,000 Project Grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) under the Energy and Mineral Development Program (CFDA 15.038) on September 22, 2025, with completion scheduled for September 21, 2027. The award funds a feasibility study and preliminary engineering assessment for a combined heat and power (CHP) biomass system at the Brookston community facility. Deliverables include technical evaluation, design work, and engineering analysis of wood chip handling equipment for district heating and electrical generation, as well as an electrical generation grid study. The Band will contribute $11,560 in matching funds for office supplies, equipment, and legal services.
The project builds on the Fond du Lac Band's existing experience operating biomass wood chip district heating systems at the Sawyer and Brookston community centers, which utilize local wood chip residue from regional logging and timber operations. The feasibility assessment and engineering work will enable informed decision-making regarding development of the proposed CHP facility and support potential job creation in renewable energy operations, equipment installation, and system maintenance. Three Fond du Lac staff will dedicate time to the project while working with external consultants to complete the technical analysis and deliverables.