I. Program Overview
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Forest Products Permitting Assistance Grant Program (FPPA Grant) is to assist businesses engaged in adding value to forest products within the state with costs related to permitting. Grants may be used to pay for expenses associated with State and local permit application fees, project consultation costs, engineering and siting costs, and expert witness testimony necessary for permitting.
Eligibility
This grant is available to Vermont businesses primarily engaged in adding value to forest products in jurisdictions that require permitting (municipal zoning, Act 250, DEC permits, etc), such as saw mills, firewood processors, furniture makers, etc. Businesses that are limited to the activities of logging and forestry are not eligible.
Eligible Expenses:
- State Permit Fees
- Local Permit Fees
- Project Consultation
- Engineering and Siting
- Expert Witness Testimony
Please direct questions about eligibility to Paul.Frederick@vermont.gov.
Allowable Costs
Grants can fund expenses associated with State and local permit fees, project consultation costs, engineering and siting costs, and expert witness testimony costs necessary for permitting.
Ineligible Projects and Applicants
- Applications for completed projects for which the applicant seeks reimbursement.
- Applicants out of compliance with any federal, state or local laws or regulations.
- Applicants who have already received funding from a FPPA Grant.
Available Funds
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation will award up to $30,000 total for this program. These funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Remaining Funds: $20,000 (Updated 5/20/2022)
Maximum Award
Businesses can apply for a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $5,000 in grant funds.
Project Length
Grant period will be up to 12 months.
Funding Source
Funds for this grant program are State funds allocated by the Vermont Legislature and signed into law by Governor Scott in Act 83 in 2019.
II. Application Instructions
Complete the application form and submit it via email to Paul.Frederick@vermont.gov with “FPPA Grant” in the email subject line along with any supporting documentation.
FPPA Grant will pay up to 50% of the allowable permitting/project costs, not to exceed $5,000.
III. Terms & Conditions
Public Information
Except for grantee proprietary and personal identifying data, as provided under 1 V.S.A. § 317(c), grantee names, projects, the amount of grant awards, and all other information regarding FPPA Grant projects are considered public information and may be subject to disclosure.
Disbursement of Funds
Funds will be provided when a copy of the submitted permit application (or other appropriate deliverable), final report, and invoice have been submitted.
Final report will detail project status and contain documentation of project expenditures, both submitted for reimbursement and matching.
Only expenses incurred during the grant period are eligible for reimbursement. Costs occurring prior to or after the end date of an executed grant are not eligible for reimbursement.
Click Here for Application Form