S. 1336

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grant program to address forestry workforce development needs, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · April 8, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. King · Committee: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Table of contents

• S. 1336
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Forestry workforce development grants

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Jobs in the Woods Act.

SEC. 2. Forestry workforce development grants

• (a) Definitions
  • In this section:
    • The term career pathway has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (). 29 U.S.C. 3102
    • The term eligible area means an area that—
    • The term eligible entity means—
    • The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
• (b) Establishment
  • Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to make grants to eligible entities to carry out career pathway training programs in eligible areas with respect to forestry operations and forestry products industries.
• (c) Applications
  • (1) In general
    • To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, which shall include—
      • a demonstrated capacity to carry out a career pathway training program in accordance with subsection (b);
      • a demonstration of need for such a program within the applicable region;
      • a projection of the extent of reach intended for the program;
      • a plan to ensure that the program is sustainable; and
      • a plan for the implementation of the program.
  • (2) Priority
    • In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that—
      • propose to carry out activities to address the issues of aging workforce and youth migration;
      • will partner with secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ()), vocational or technical schools, or junior or community colleges (as defined in section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ()) to engage students; and 20 U.S.C. 7801; 20 U.S.C. 1058
      • demonstrate the ability to assist with forestry workforce placement and hiring.
• (d) Term; amount
  • A grant made under this section shall be—
    • for a period of not more than 4 years; and
    • in an amount equal to—
      • not less than $500,000; and
      • not more than $2,000,000.
• (e) Authorization of appropriations
  • There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.