MHProNews has learned from the National Association of Home Builders that House Resources Committee Chairman Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) has drafted legislation that would increase timer production on federal lands which in turn would help maintain healthy forests. Justin Wood, vice president of construction for Fish Construction NW Inc., based in Portland, Ore., says, “This legislation will go a long way toward helping rebuild the supply chain and reviving local mills and timber companies, while ensuring the continued recovery of the housing industry.” Lumber and other wood products account for 15 percent of the cost of building a single-family home, and framing lumber prices have risen on average 28 percent. Higher costs especially can put a crimp in the market for affordable housing where every slight rise can make a large difference in the cost. Wood says, “NAHB research shows that for every $1,000 price increase for a median priced new home, over 232,000 households can no longer afford that home.” Additional upward pressure on the price of wood will continue as long as no additional supplies enter the market, making a full housing recovery more remote. Says Wood, “Chairman Hastings’ bill would ease escalating price pressures, allow responsible timber production to occur on federal lands, protect the environment and help keep housing affordable for hard-working families.”
