U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Thursday the Administration’s plan to allocate $1.13 billion in federal funding to a popular initiative to provide trees to communities nationwide. The project, which has garnered widespread attention, is set to make an impact on both the environment and urban landscapes.
Secretary Vilsack explained that the push behind this initiative came from an overwhelming interest in the project from conservationists across the United States.
“This program was incredibly popular when we put resources on the street for consideration,” Sec. Vilsack said. “We’ve received 842 applications from a wide variety of organizations and groups committed to advancing and enhancing urban forestry and community corps.”
USDA representatives report that the applicants requesting financial and technical assistance hail from a diverse range of groups across the country, including state governments, nonprofits, and universities from 48 States, the District of Columbia, tribal nations, and U.S. territories.
In total, $1.13 billion will be invested in the form of 385 grants, touching communities across the country. The initiative’s funding is drawn from the Inflation Reduction Act, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing not only economic challenges but also environmental concerns.
