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Senators debate $6 million loan program aimed at reopening closed sawmills
Summary
House Bill 876 would appropriate $6 million of capital development funds as low-interest loans through the Board of Investments to help reopen sawmills closed in the prior 48 months. Proponents said the program would restore jobs, support forest health and help wildfire mitigation; opponents warned narrow eligibility and market risks for existing mills.
Representative John Fitzpatrick (House District 76) presented the Montana Sawmill Revitalization Act, which would appropriate $6,000,000 of capital development funds to the Board of Investments to offer low-interest loans to entities seeking to reopen sawmills closed in the prior 48 months.
Proponents testified that the timber sector has lost capacity and jobs — with testimony…
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