WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis, according to a news release.
Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Pingree (ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement.
The logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year.