USDA releases first wave of stimulus funding

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that USDA will be delivering its first actions implementing the $28 billion provided in the stimulus package. The Forest Service has released almost $100 million for hazardous fuels reduction, forest health protection, rehabilitation and hazard mitigation activities on federal, state and private lands. Over 1,500 jobs will be created through shovel ready projects that will be released this week for urban youth and individuals involved in urban forestry, restoration projects fire prevention, roads, bridges, buildings and recreation facilities.