Politics & Government

One of Idaho’s industries hardest hit by the recent housing boom and bust is forest products.According to the U.S. Forest Service, the timber harvest from Idaho national forests dropped from 172 million board feet in 1999 to 121.2 million board feet in 2008.The Idaho Division of Financial Management’s 2011 economic forecast reported there are about half as many mills in the inland region as there were 20 years ago.Still, the report projects growth in the industry over the next few years.“Idaho lumber and wood products employment hit a trough of 5,700 jobs in 2010 which was about 40 percent below its 2006 peak of 10,000 jobs. It’s projected to grow each year of the forecast, but it’s not fast enough to top the previous peak.” - DFMThe Division of Financial Management believes an increase in housing starts will help fuel a mild recovery in wood production.

Oregon Congressmen Push Temporary Extension Of Rural Timber Payments

Boise State Public Radio News | By Rachael McDonald

Published March 25, 2015 at 8:01 AM MDT

Oregon's congressional delegation is hoping to secure a two-year extension of timber payments to rural counties. The Secure Rural Schools provision is tucked in a bill the U.S. House is voting on this week.

The Secure Rural Schools Act provides payments to timber-dependent counties in Oregon, Idaho and most other states. Last year, rural Idaho counties received $28 million from the program. Without reauthorization, it’ll receive $2 million.

Oregon Democratic Congressman Peter DeFazio says this bill helps counties while lawmakers try to find a long term solution to funding shortfalls.

"It answers the question of whether or not they can provide law enforcement, jails, county health and for many rural school districts this is an absolutely critical funding," DeFazio says.

The county funding extension is part of the "Doc Fix" bill which the House is expected to vote on this week.

Oregon Congressmen Push Temporary Extension Of Rural Timber Payments

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