Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act of 2026

Wildfire Risk Reduction: The program incentivizes the removal of material from hazardous fuels management activities, such as mechanical thinning or timber harvest, to reduce the risk of wildfire (Section 2(a)(3)).

Support for Local Infrastructure and Industry: Grants can be used for the transportation of byproducts like roundwood and chips, or for costs associated with woodyards and loading facilities (Section 2(c)(1)-(2)).

Equipment and Tool Accessibility: Recipients can use funds to purchase, modify, or lease equipment to help move and process hazardous fuels more efficiently (Section 2(c)(3)).

Job Training and Workforce Growth: The bill allows for workforce development, including training and certifications necessary for these projects (Section 2(c)(5)).

Support for Indian Tribes: The Act specifically mentions partnering with Indian Tribes for workforce development (Section 2(c)(5)) and allows Tribes to receive higher cost-share grant amounts of up to 90 percent (Section 2(f)(3)(B)).

Restrictions on Use of Funds: Grant recipients are strictly prohibited from using the money for construction, capital improvements of processing facilities, or the purchase of stumpage or timber (Section 2(d)).

Funding Caps: There are limits on how much can be spent, such as a $3,000,000 limit per grant in a single fiscal year and a $250,000 limit for purchasing equipment in a single year (Section 2(f)(2)).

Requirement for Cost-Sharing: Most eligible recipients are required to cover at least 25 percent of their project costs themselves, as the grant covers no more than 75 percent of the cost (Section 2(f)(3)(A)).