Congressional Delegation Updates Supporting Maine’s Forest Products Industry During the Pandemic and into the Future It was a great pleasure to attend the PLC’s 25th annual meeting in October to hear directly from loggers and haulers about the issues impacting your industry and to receive the Impact Award. In the early days of the pandemic, some logging contractors benefitted from the Paycheck Sen. Susan Collins Protection Program I wrote, allowing them to keep their workers employed. As the pandemic persisted and the forest products industry encountered unique market challenges, however, it became increasingly clear to me that the industry required specific, targeted assistance. That is why I, along with Representative Jared Golden, introduced the Loggers Relief Act to provide financial assistance to your industry. This legislation, signed into law last December, established a program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide more than $200 million in direct payments to timber harvesters and haulers across the nation that have suffered significant reductions in revenue due to the pandemic. Never before had the USDA provided direct relief to the industry. Your organization helped to craft this bill and worked tirelessly to build strong support for it in Congress.
This crucial program started accepting applications in July, and, to date, more than 350 Maine logging and hauling operations have been approved for more than $12.4 million. The pandemic has underscored other issues that affect your industry. The shortage of truck drivers has a direct impact, which is why I co-sponsored the DRIVE Safe Act to establish an apprenticeship program for drivers ages 19 to 21 to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. I strongly supported the inclusion of a pilot program for this much-needed change in transportation policy in the bipartisan infrastructure law that I co-authored with nine of my Senate colleagues. Your organization has long recognized the importance of robust workforce development programs, such as the Mechanized Logging Operations Program. I have visited this program in the woods of Western Maine, and it was inspiring to meet young Mainers who are passionate about learning new skills that will propel them on a promising career path and strengthen our state’s forestry sector. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I secured $1 million in the Senate Appropriations bill to help continue and expand this program. It is essential that your businesses are supported at this difficult time. It also is essential that the hard-working and skilled people in your industry have the support they need to live and prosper in the communities they love. I look forward to continuing to be a strong partner on issues to strengthen your industry.
American Rescue Plan Aid Boosting Maine’s Forest Economy
operating expenses impacted by the pandemic, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, personal protective equipment, or other essential business costs. After a challenging year and a half, these grants will build on the work of the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/ ME) and help stabilize our forest economy and increase the sector’s competitiveness in the short- and long-term. I’m grateful to Governor Mills for putting these federal funds Sen. Angus King to work for Maine’s forest products industry, providing an important boost for the businesses and people who found themselves needing a little extra help due to forces outside their control. Applications for Phase 1 of the FRI are open now through January 31st, with additional phases of the grant program coming online in early 2022. Details on eligibility and how to apply are available at https:// www.mainetechnology.org/recovery-funding/forestry/; if you or someone you know is eligible, make sure to get an application in soon. Thank you again, for all that you do – and know that we are with you, and committed to ensuring that this industry continues to play a vital role in Maine.
The forest products industry has been tested during the COVID pandemic, as so many business sectors have seen unpredictability and change. Indeed, the virus’s global impact has upended business-as-usual, with market disruptions leading to significant challenges for the entire logging supply chain. It quickly became clear that in order to protect this important economic driver for Maine communities, support was required. A major federal boost came in the December 2020 COVID relief legislation, which established a fund to support logger and log hauling businesses – but now, more help is on the way. When we crafted the American Rescue Plan, I was determined to make sure the legislation delivered funds to be given directly to the states, to be allocated as their leaders saw fit – and when the legislation passed in March 2021, that approach was an important part of the package. These funds allow each Governor to make the investments that address the unique needs of each state, helping fuel a fast recovery from the pandemic. Governor Mills is rising to the occasion – and last month, announced a $20 million fund to provide grants to Maine loggers, foresters, lumber yards, and others involved in the forest economy. These grants – available through the Forestry Recovery Initiative – can be used for a number of necessary
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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine
Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995
