State legislators are taking a hard look at Georgia’s forest industry challenges. A new report details the impacts of recent mill closures to the state’s economy and to affected Georgians. Georgia Tech estimates those closures will strike a $2.9 billion loss to the state, with nearly seven thousand jobs eliminated. At Governor Brian Kemp’s direction, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo led a special task force that examined current issues and possible solutions. …The task force report lists recommendations and budget priorities to be considered by legislators in the 2026 Georgia General Assembly. Recommended budget priorities are: Design and construction of a Mass Timber State Office to attract a mass timber manufacturing facility to Georgia. ($2.6 million.); Expand Georgia Grown Wood Products marketing. ($660,000); and Support timber industry’s expansion into emerging markets. Provide funding for Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative with Georgia Tech. ($10.9 million).