The USDA is supplying a pair of Wood Innovation Grants to the state. One is $250,000 toward a program called “Strengthening and Expanding Maine Wood Markets.”

The rest of the money is to help establish a Maine State Wood Energy Assistance Team. The team is expected to coordinate technical and financial assistance. It will also promote low-emissions heating technology.

The team will include industry members, government representatives and people form the non-profit community.

The grants are part of more than $8.5 million being distributed nationwide to expand and promote the use of wood in commercial construction, power generation and other industries.