JON TESTER sare Ha Bn {OPRIATIONS, rane United States Senate - HOMELAND SECURITY aNO January 22, 2015, ‘Tom Vilsack, Secretary United States Department of Agriculture United States Forest Service 1400 Independence Ave. Washington, D.C.20250 Dear Secretary Vi I write in support of the 2015 Wood Innovations Planning Grant application from the SmartLam Company. This project will allow SmartLam to create an innovative wood fiber, value-added product, utilizing sustainable bio-mass resources, while adding diversity to our local economy and adding to the tax base. SmartLam has grown significantly over the last three years employing more than 30 people since its startup in 2012. The proposed SmartLam CLT manufacturing facility expansion and relocation will continue this growth and generate an additional 40 direct jobs and result in 160 indirect jobs for the community. SmartLam is on the cutting edge of engineered-wood technology for building construction materials used in the creation of energy efficient buildings and other innovative wood products, The SmartLam project will be a substantial investment in the community with many long-term, positive effects. This grant will assist SmartLam to grow a company that will have a major impact in the Cross Laminated Timber wood product markets in the USA and internationally. ‘Thank you for your attention to this application, IfT can provide any additional information, do not hesitate to contact me. Please inform my office of the eventual decision on this application. Sincerely, Jon Tester United States Senator pure Gunove GGaear Fass evens uses (05) 586-2450 (406) 723-9277 (406) 365-2301 (406) 452-9585 (406) 429-5401 (08) 257-3360 Buwes Missoura (406) 252-0860 (405) 728-3003