Oregon Best will conduct a study of how cross-laminated timber can help stimulate the rural economies of Oregon and southwest Washington. Source: Timberbiz
Oregon BEST brings together public university researchers and entrepreneurs and developers in the clean technology sector and won a $120,000 grant from the US Economic Development Administration to conduct the study, along with the Pacific Northwest Manufacturing Partnership.
The entities are collaborating with Business Oregon, Oregon State University, Washington State University and the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
DR Johnson is one of the first US companies to manufacture CLT in the United States at its plant near Riddle in Southern Oregon.
The Oregon Zoo was the first to use CLT in Oregon, for the roof of its new Elephant Plaza Building and a potential 12-story building made of CLT is being planned in Portland’s Pearl District.
“Many rural communities have suffered as the timber industry and other natural resource industries have declined in our region,” Johanna Brickman, director of collaborative innovation at Oregon BEST said.
“The grant will help shine the light on the opportunities for new business in rural communities.
“Through this project we hope to better understand how to effectively set the stage for great results.”
