Sinema, Kelly Announce More Than $3.7 Million in Wood Innovations Funds to Fuel Projects Preserving ArizonaForest Lands

May 16, 2024

Projects funded in part by the Sinema-led and Kelly-shaped bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic climate and energy law

WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced a total of $3,745,000 for wood innovations projects across Northern Arizona that will preserve Arizona’s forest lands and boost Arizona’s wood products economy. 

The investments – awarded through the U.S. Forest Service’s WoodInnovations program – were funded in part by the Sinema-led and Kelly-shaped bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic climate and energy law.

“We secured funds investing in Northern Arizona businesses so they can lead innovative efforts reducing harmful emissions, boosting economic opportunities, and preserve our stunningforests for generations to come,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law. 

“These investments will protect Arizonaforests while boosting sustainable solutions that benefit our environment and economy. I will continue supporting innovative approaches to tackle climate challenges, create jobs, and support healthy forests and communities,” saidKelly.

“Novo BioPower is so excited and grateful to our partners at the US ForestService for awarding $1 Million for use by Novo BioPower to overhaul our steam turbine and condenser,” said Brad Worsley, President and CEO of Novo Power. “This would not have happened without the support of both Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service.  A very special thank you to Senator Sinema and Senator Kelly for their continued support for this keystone facility in the restoration of Arizona’s federal forests!  This investment of WPIA grant dollars will assure that the central equipment inturning biomass from a forest liability toa renewable electron will be refurbished and improved.  A big thank you from Novo BioPower to all of our partners!”

Below is a breakdown of the investments Sinema and Kelly secured:

RecipientProject TitleAward Amount
Bluestone Renewables Holding LLCPlanning for Hydrogen to Methanol Project$300,000
California HotwoodNew Firewood Packaging Facility in Dewey, AZ$150,000
Kaibab Millworks LLCKaibab Mill Improvement Project$145,000
LigneticsPackaging Line and Control Systems Upgrades$300,000
Novo Star WoodProducts LLCNovo Star Wood Products Sawmill Expansion$300,000
Arizona Log & TimberWorks LLCComposting Forest Waste to Produce Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendments and Help Meet the Demand for Additional Organic Matter Created by the USDA Organic Farming Initiative$1,000,000
Dakota LoggingYavapai Firewood Processing Facility Equipment$550,000
Novo BioPowerBiomass Power Plant Turbine Overhaul and Condenser Retube$1,000,000
TOTAL: $3,745,000