As regions of the state continue to suffer from economic downturns, expanding Kentucky timber commercialization may be one way to boost state and local economies, said Rep. Leslie Combs.
“We’re looking for opportunities every day,” said Combs, D-Pikeville. Combs’ eastern Kentucky district is not the only portion of the state that could see an impact from an expanded timber industry in the state, said Combs and Leah MacSwords, the director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry.
MacSwords said there are currently 12 million acres of forestland and all 120 counties have merchantable timber. “109 counties have forest industries,” MacSwords said. “It contributes over $12 billion to the state’s economy.”
A 2014 University of Kentucky review of the forestry says there are more than 28,000 jobs in the forest and wood industry in the state. The industry delivers a total employment — direct, indirect and induced — impact of more than 50,000 jobs, according to UK.
Combs said timber could be used in state not only to create jobs, but also to protect a signature industry in manufacturing bourbon barrels, a commodity that has been in short supply as the bourbon market takes off. “The potential is where can we go, and how can we grow this,” Combs said.
From MyCN2.com: https://mycn2.com/politics/increased-timber-commercialization-could-ease-mining-job-losses-combs-says#Comment