Appropriate grant for Pilot Mass Timber Feasibility Study for $100,000

The purpose of this Grant is to provide grant funding to eligible Organizations (as defined in ORS 458.610). Grantee to provide a pilot Mass Timber Feasibility Study and presentation for potential development projects in the City of Portland.

The purpose of this micro grant is to assist developers with determining the feasibility to utilize mass timber in their ground up developments. There are funds to support up to six (6) micro grants of $75K to over the professional services necessary to conduct these feasibility reviews. This micro grant could be beneficial to ground up development to move forward with informed data towards incorporating mass timber into their developments and design. Mass timber is emerging as a key material in construction and offers a potentially compelling alternative to traditional building materials. Benefits include lower embodied carbon emissions compared to traditional construction materials like concrete and steel, construction schedule efficiencies, lighter structural loads, seismic resiliency, reduced material waste, potentially sequestered carbon dioxide when harvested sustainably, and enhanced occupant experience through biophilic design. Mass timber supports forest restoration efforts and contribute to improved forest health and wildfire mitigation. The mass timber industry creates jobs in forestry, construction, and advanced manufacturing.

Mass timber is emerging as a key material in construction and offers a potentially compelling alternative to traditional building materials. Benefits include lower embodied carbon emissions compared to traditional construction materials like concrete and steel, construction schedule efficiencies, lighter structural loads, seismic resiliency, reduced material waste, potentially sequestered carbon dioxide when harvested sustainably, and enhanced occupant experience through biophilic design. Mass timber supports forest restoration efforts and contribute to improved forest health and wildfire mitigation. The mass timber industry creates jobs in forestry, construction, and advanced manufacturing. If a development is able to move forward with development and incorporate mass timber, community benefits could be realized outside of the scope of the grant program. The feasibility study reports will be made available to help interested parties better understand the feasibility of utilizing mass timber in new construction projects within the City of Portland.

This pilot Mass Timber Feasibility Study grant will bring approximately $100,000 in Softwood Lumber Board and USDA Forestry funds to the community for the grant period. There is a matching fund requirement. PHB is provided a matching grant using CET funds for $350,000. This micro grant program is expected to bring in funds and disburse funds within the FY25-26 and FY26-27 budget years.

This pilot is focused on determining the potential benefits and feasibility of utilizing mass timber in a proposed new development within the City of Portland. There is no 100% Renewable Goal information associated with this grant.