Golden Delivers $1 Million for Maine Logger Training Program

WASHINGTON — In a big win for the next generation of Maine loggers, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that he has secured $1 million in dedicated funding for the Mechanized Logging Operations Training Program run by Northern Maine Community College (NMCC). The funding will allow NMCC to expand the program, which trains participants to safely operate highly technical harvesting equipment, as well as offer additional training for program graduates to earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to drive equipment off-road.

"I'm proud to deliver this funding to expand Northern Maine's Mechanized Logging Operations Training Program, which gives Mainers the skills and experience to operate the advanced machinery necessary for modern logging," said Congressman Golden. "Expanding NMCC's mechanized logging program with this funding is key to addressing the workforce shortage in our logging industry and will help more Mainers to get good-paying jobs that allow them to stay in rural communities across our state."

"We are grateful for Congressman Golden's work to deliver this funding. This project will allow us to continue our work with the Forest Industry in Maine to build the workforce they need for today and the future, grow the program's footprint, and serve more Mainers looking for good-paying jobs in the woods. The partnership between NMCC and the PLC is helping Maine respond to the demands for its outstanding wood products. Congressman Golden's support for and confidence in this partnership and our training program will have a real impact on our students." – Tim Crowley, President, Northern Maine Community College

"The Mechanized Logging Operations Program that will be supported and expanded by this funding is critical to meeting the current and future demand for qualified equipment operators in Maine's logging industry. There is no more affordable or efficient way to gain the experience and knowledge you need to begin a successful career as an equipment operator in the logging industry, operator jobs are abundant, and the program is recruiting students for this summer right now. We are grateful to Congressman Golden for his consistent support for the program and for our industry at a time when it is grappling with challenges at every level." - Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

The request on behalf of Northern Maine Community College was one of the congressman's Community Project Funding requests. The House passed the bill containing Golden's request late last night. The legislation is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law without delay.

Logging supports 9,000 jobs and $320 million in earnings directly or indirectly in Maine. Over the next 10 years, 850 workers are expected to reach retirement age, and attracting younger workers is critical to succeed the retiring workforce. In its first four years, NMCC's program has produced more than 50 graduates. Graduates frequently receive job offers from multiple contractors due to their in-demand, up-to-date skills and enjoy top earning potential.

Established in 2016 with bipartisan and industry support, NMCC's Mechanized Logging Operations Training Program teaches participants about logging machine operation and basic repair, maintenance of equipment, harvesting laws, and safety regulations. Congressman Golden's funding will cover the cost of accelerating and expanding two cohorts in this program.

In addition to expanding the logging operations training program, Golden's funding will support an extra course for program graduates to attain a CDL, with an off-road hauling focus for logging. This training will further prepare graduates of the mechanized logger training program with advanced skills in road building and provide hands-on experience hauling loads and moving equipment in the Maine woods. This enhancement will enable employers to have multi-skilled operators who can efficiently haul and operate the equipment needed to harvest logs in today's forest.

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