Section 399.25 - Functions and objectivesThe council shall be responsible for the development, expansion and promotion of the hardwood industry in this Commonwealth. The council shall seek to meet the following objectives:
(1) To expand the hardwood industrial job base in this Commonwealth. This paragraph includes expansion of existing hardwood jobs and recruitment of complementary new hardwood manufacturing process companies. The objective stated in this paragraph shall lead to retention, expansion and creation of jobs, and the fostering of capital investments in the hardwood industry in this Commonwealth.(2) To promote better efficiencies of the existing hardwood industries to include technology transfer and investment in equipment necessary to enhance the hardwood industry.(3) To promote basic and long-term research in wood characteristics and new product development. This shall include research aimed at all species and grades of woods, including those species that are underutilized.(4) To provide institutional support for the hardwood industry of this Commonwealth by insuring effective cooperation and communication among governmental agencies, the academic and research community and the hardwood industry. This paragraph includes international activity.(5) To establish information transfer through a common data base and knowledgeable personnel to further develop and enhance the hardwood industry.(6) To encourage long-range hardwood development in ways which are sustainable and environmentally sound. This paragraph includes educational programs providing knowledge in the area of forest management and marketing methods and effective planning and development to preserve timber, a renewable resource, for multiuse in a diversified regional economy.1988, Oct. 21, P.L. 1036, No. 116, § 5, imd. effective.