DNR announces Request for Letters of Interest in new Biomass Initiative

OLYMPIA ­- The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Request for Letters of Interest for partnership in the Biomass Initiative.

This is the beginning of the selection process that will launch the Biomass Initiative in Washington State. The initiative, sanctioned by HB 2165 passed by the Washington Legislature this year, authorizes DNR to seek public-private partnerships that will allow state and local communities to benefit from biomass and create renewable energy.

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"This initiative is an opportunity for private industry and DNR to partner to develop sustainable and renewable energy," said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. "This effort will help fight climate change and create more value in our forests."

The initiative calls for two pilot projects, one in eastern Washington and one in western Washington. The Request for Letters of Interest invites public and private organizations interested in participating to apply.

The timeline of the project is as follows:

• July 21, 2009: DNR issues Request for Letters of Interest (RFLOI)
• August 21, 2009 - 5:00 PM: Deadline for submission of Letters of Interest

Information about how to submit a letter of interest for a project will be online this week at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/.