Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced more than $7.4 million to support removal and transport of 417,308 tons of low-value trees and woody debris from national forests to processing facilities, including a critical $4.6 million award to support the forest products industry in Grant County. “Responsible forestry is at the center of Oregon’s identity,” Wyden said. “Not only does this federal award keep Oregon’s rural communities safer by clearing out the buildup of fire prone material from our beautiful national forests, but it also supports rural economies that depend on sustainable forest products and management.” “Addressing hazardous fuels is win-win-win, it reduces wildfire risk, supports good-paying mill jobs, and increases forest resiliency,” said Merkley, who serves as ranking member of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which provides funds to the Forest Service for this and other hazardous fuels programs.