Page 8 - Georgia Forestry - Winter 2019

Story by Ray Glier But some things do not have to be
Photography by Story for Story
Rural Economies ContinuetoBenefitfrom Forestry Investments
ALBANY — The rural economy in Georgia has become a political flashpoint, with two sides wrestling over how best to get people into solid jobs, wipe the grime off the windows of deserted stores, and fertilize business.
left to politics, only to the funda- mentals of supply and demand of a robust industry. Like forestry? Yes, like forestry.
Here in the wood basket of the state, supply, demand, and industry will collaborate to bring 130 full-time jobs, $5 million in annual payroll, hundreds of construction jobs, and real dollars to convenience stores, gas stations, fast food restaurants, landlords, and many
other retailers. Georgia-Pacific (GP) is building a $150 million, 320,000-square-foot saw mill on Sylvester Road/Highway 82, 5 miles east of downtown. It is expected to be operational in late fall and will have access not only to a roomy four-lane divided highway, but to a rail line with a dedicated spur at the mill’s backdoor.
Saw mills are a bustling locomotive for a rural economy. All over the state, international companies like GP, Interfor, and Canfor are
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