Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP)

The Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP) provides financial support to qualified lenders whose loan applicants want to establish, reopen, expand, or improve a sawmill or other wood processing facility that process ecosystem restoration byproducts from USDA Forest Service National Forest System lands.

Tools & Resources

USDA is committed to addressing the wildfire crisis in the places where it poses the most immediate threats to communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources. Learn more about the USDA Forest Service’s 10-year plan.

Do you require clarification, have a question, or just need to talk with someone who administers the program? Let us know and we’ll be happy to assist.

To participate in this program, lenders must first be approved by USDA Rural Development using criteria from the OneRD Guaranteed Loan Initiative.

The map ranks land areas of the country from high to very high priority for restoration work, including vegetation removal, with respect to addressing wildfire hazard potential and risks of insects and diseases.

Other USDA Programs Which May Help

For larger or more complex projects, we highly encourage you to explore our other programs at USDA Rural Development. Some of these programs are stackable with TPEP and others can assist with direct and indirect community and project needs. Use the cards below to learn more and we encourage you to connect with your USDA Rural Development State Office to talk through the applicability of these other programs to your project.

We offer a variety of programs which can be used in addition to direct TPEP funding. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, health care, education, housing, and other community essentials.

The Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program (B&I) provides loan guarantees to qualified lenders to make loans to eligible rural businesses. For example, a B&I loan guarantee can be used to help retrofit or expand eligible sawmills to handle small trees or scale up current operations.

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

USDA Rural Development (RD) recognizes the importance of our forest-dependent communities. We’ve created this resource to help forest-based industries make the most of RD’s programs and resources. From grants to guaranteed loans, we offer diverse financing options that can make a real difference for your business and community.

Events

Upcoming Events

Upcoming USDA and partner-hosted events related to the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program will be added below. You’re encouraged to attend to learn more about the Timber Production Expansion Loan Program and related programs.

Check back soon for future events.

Past Events

Past USDA and partner-hosted events will be archived below for your review. If a recording or transcript of the event is available, there will be a link to access it under the event heading.

USDA’s Timber Production and Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program
This webinar provided an overview of the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP) as well as featuring the first edition of USDA Rural Development’s Timber & Wood Products Resource Guide. Program experts from RD and the USDA Forest Service also answered questions in a Live Q&A format.

January 6, 2025
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EST
Webinar Recording - Coming Soon! Power Point Presentation

USDA Presents: Access to Capital in Rural America for Non-Regulated Lenders Webinar
This webinar featured prominent speakers from across Rural Development discussing the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative and answering questions about the new process and application.

Oct. 28, 2021
10:30am - 12:00pm EST
Webinar Recording: Learn More

Martin Family Achieves Homeownership on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation Through Packaging Partnerships

RBCS How-To Apply Video Series for Applicants

Existing Home Loan Borrower Inquiries

Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP)