WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 -- Sen. Ron Wyden issued the following press release:

Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is investing $15,091,037 in 20 wood innovations projects in Oregon that support active management of national forests and grasslands, promote wood and energy infrastructure by increasing manufacturing capacity and operational efficiencies, and support rural economic prosperity and jobs. This federal funding is critical to ensuring the state's leadership in the wood products industry, while helping to restore healthy forests and reduce wildfire risk.

"Oregon has the best wood products in the world, and federal support helps keep our state at the forefr...