From Congressman Kilmer blog; Modeling Good Behavior in the Pacific Northwest

Too often Congress – and our political scene in general – looks like a clip from the World Wrestling Federation. Lately, we’ve seen far too many insults and jabs (though thankfully, we’ve mostly avoided actual body slams). But even the biggest Hulkamaniac has got to feel the need for greater civility. For more progress. For the voices of the American people to be listened to in our political process.
Having said that, despite the smackdown that we see on TV every day, I’ve got some good news.  Having traveled from pillar to post in our region this August, I’m reminded that there are a lot of cool things happening locally. It’s a reminder that we have many significant challenges as a nation but there are people hard at work every day that have put their heads down and are working toward progress.
Read on for a few examples from the last two weeks.
Developing Timber 2.0
As many of you know, recently I was proud to introduce a bill – supported by Democrats and Republicans – that would encourage the use of innovative timber products. Earlier this month, I joined Senator Maria Cantwell in Shelton to discuss our bill and to tour the site of what will be Sierra Pacific’s new mill.
We spent time talking about the potential of these mass timber products – like cross-laminated timber (CLT). Cross-laminated timber gives us a chance to utilize an abundant and sustainable product native to Washington state that connects rural economies to greener urban growth.
Our legislation would take a lot of important steps forward. For example, it would establish a new wood innovation grant program to help rural communities, prioritizing projects that would utilize existing mill infrastructure in areas currently experiencing high unemployment. That could provide a boost to towns in our region who want to make sure our top export isn’t our young people.
During the roundtable, we heard from economic development and workforce development leaders who expressed their interest in pursuing opportunities in this developing arena. We heard from industry leaders who detailed the resources that they will need to open a CLT mill. We heard from local community leaders who are ready to roll out the red carpet and cut through the red tape. And the most inspiring part of the discussion: Everyone was committed to working together to move this effort forward.
ref/ http://kilmer.house.gov/news/newsletters/modeling-good-behavior-in-the-pacific-northwest

With all that money earned by timber harvesting, why our schools gets the shaft?

In a letter addressed to County Commissioner chair, Mike Chapman the commission of public lands sent him the following letter:
The letter was in their work session agenda packet
Dear Commissioner Chapman:
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages approximately 93,31I
acres of State Forest Transfer and Purchase Lands that benefit Clallam County. These lands generated $3,1 1.5,000 in the first two quarters of calendar year 2016 and are projected to generate $10,271,000 for calendar year 2016 from activities expected to occur under current contracts.
This represents an increase of $2,677,000 from the 2016 projection in the April 2016 report.
Net value under contract after calendar year 2016 is estimated at $1,960,000. This income
information does not include anticipated revenues from additional planned activities for which contracts have not been finalized. Projections of income after July 2,2013 reflect the management fee of 25 percent, as adopted by the Board of Natural Resources on that date. Some counties receive portions of their income from leases and fees; however, the majority of income reflected in this report is derived from timber sales. As most revenue stems from timber sales, these projections can fluctuate depending upon when timber harvests actually occur. Market conditions, contract requirements, and regulatory requirements influence timber purchasers' decisions about when to harvest. Harvesting could occur earlier if conditions warrant. Changes in purchaser's' plans for harvest will be reflected in future reports. The next projection of State Forest Land revenues will be available in October 2016.
I appreciate how necessary revenue is to the success of county functions. DNR consistently strives to ensure that we realize the maximum available income from the State Forest Transfer and Purchase Lands vie manage on behalf of the counties.  signed: Peter Commissioner of Public Lands

Editorial note: I say with all this income the county gets from this timber harvesting, these funds should be used to build better schools in our community like a new high school. It's deplorable the condition of the Port Angeles high school is in, and the students who have to drink out of one water fountain in the entire school. Bathrooms, locker rooms barely meet ada standards. Something has to be done to ensure that our educational facilities are up to snuff and fully operational. Recently, my class of 1981 held their 35 class reunion, though those who went had fond memories of their former school, the state of that school is in a state of needing to be replaced. Food for thought.


FORMAT CHANGE:

Editorial note: The front page will be devoted to our feature stories, like the above story on the letter to Chapman, all other postings can now be found on our side bar menu.  So, each day when publishing the front page of this site will be a feature story, could be a shared press release, or ordinance from the local, state, national governmental agencies. As for the other reports they all now have their own page which can be accessed on the side bar menu.  I'll post the updated pages from here, and the sidebar menu on my facebook page.