The Alabama Forestry Commission has announced a cost-share funding program that makes financial incentives available for forest landowners, loggers, and timber companies throughout the state if they share the cost of transporting portable bridges to Alabama logging sites.

Using temporary, portable bridges to cross streams keeps equipment and sediment from entering “sensitive areas” which ensures consistent water quality, the commission said.

The cost-share program, made possible by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, will provide up to 75% of the total cost of a portable bridge with a maximum price of $20,000.

Awarded recipients of the cost-share funding will be notified after the application period.

Eligibility requirements for the temporary bridge funding include being certified as a Professional Logger Manager in Alabama and having no Best Management Practices complaints within the last three years.

The application portal will open to the public Nov. 6-17. The first 40 applications will be accepted. Grant applications will be ranked and those with the highest scores will be funded until the available money is expended.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.