United States Department of Agriculture awards $570,000 grant to West Bio-Hat Creek Bioenergy in Burney | Shasta County

BURNEY, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $570,625 grant to West Bio-Hat Creek Bioenergy to support its bioenergy power plant.

The facility converts hazardous forest fuels into energy while reducing wildfire risk in Shasta County.

Bryan Anguiano, USDA Rural Development California State Director, visited the Burney facility to recognize the Rural Energy for America Program funding.

The visit highlighted the Trump Administration’s commitment to regional wildfire mitigation efforts and rural economic development.

“This REAP investment accelerates USDA’s mission to produce reliable electricity while reducing wildfire risk and creating jobs in the communities that need them most,” Anguiano said. “Through strategic rural investments in enterprises like West Bio-Hat Creek Bioenergy, we continue to unleash American energy and strengthen the backbone of our agricultural communities in Northern California.”

The plant generates renewable energy for the local electrical grid and supports sustainable forest management. The funding will help West Bio-Hat Creek Bioenergy expand power generation, enhance operational efficiency and increase production of high-value biochar.

Republican Congressman James Gallagher of California’s 1st District praised the project’s dual benefits. He emphasized how the facility addresses Northern California’s forest management needs while producing reliable energy.

“Projects like Hat Creek Bioenergy just make sense for Northern California,” Gallagher said. “We have an abundance of forest that needs to be cleared to mitigate wildfire risk, and we can put that material to use to further unleash American energy that is reliable, dependable and secure.”

The facility employs 15 skilled plant operators, primarily Burney residents. It also created more than 60 temporary construction jobs during development.

The plant’s revenue stream supports forest-thinning activities and attracts new industries to the region.

Officials say this project demonstrates how USDA Rural Development investments advance community prosperity and innovative technologies.