WVFA Mountain State Forestry Spring 2021

F E A T U R E D N E W S 14 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry Inter-State Hardwoods in Bartow, WV has made energy-saving improvements to their lighting and dryer kilns that are reducing costs and improving production efficiency, helping keep the 81-year old company competitive in an increasingly globalized economy and uncertain times for West Virginia, Appalachia, and the nation. Inter-State expects to see $2.8 million in total savings from the lighting improvements and they also got a grant to help offset the up-front costs from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with the assistance of Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIFund). NCIFund helped cover the cost of an energy consultant to conduct an energy audit that was required for the REAP grant application. They also helped Inter-State put the 100+ page application together. The first lighting project went so well, Improved energy efficiency and investments in renewable energy can offer numerous benefits to a business and some West Virginia wood products companies are banking on upgrades. Inter-State expects to see $2.8 million in total savings from the lighting improvements and they also got a grant to help offset the up-front costs from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with the assistance of Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIFund).