As new timber technologies emerge for the construction industry, Dirigo Center Developers in Westbrook is preparing to build a cross-laminated timber tower and retail demonstration that will expand markets for Maine’s new forest products. The company was recently awarded $250,000 for the project, from the U.S. Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Grant program. Dirigo Center Developers was one of four Maine businesses to be awarded nearly $2.5 million from U.S. Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Grant program and Community Wood Grant program. The goal of the federal funding is to strengthen Maine’s forest products sector and expand markets for the industry. …The money will provide support to the four companies, which are finding new customers for their wood products, which include cross-laminated timber, new pine resources and wood biomass fuels.