The Forest Service has developed a five-year plan to combat the infestation, but officials acknowledge the work and the new money will reach only a very small part of the 755,000 acres at risk.
Chandler said the agency hopes to secure another $6.2 million for additional work next year.
Because resources are slim, the Forest Service is carefully choosing the most at-risk areas to protect.
“The work is going to be very strategic,” Severson said, “with priorities being to protect human life, public infrastructure and very critical watersheds.”