MILAN - Pioneer Associates Corporation may build a large industrial type facility in Milan's farmland just northeast of Mt. Taylor Millwork. The furniture manufacturing operation could employ nearly 350 people and could create an estimated 100 indirect jobs.

Marlin Johnson, a representative of Pioneer and Forestry Consultant made the announcement at the Cibola County Commission on Feb. 11.

“The Village of Milan is pulling everything together fast in order to make this happen,” he told the Beacon. “I like their ideas.”

Also being considered for the project are the Jicarilla Tribe and Navajo Nation.

“Grants and Milan have been very receptive,” Johnson said. Herman Hauck, owner of Pioneer and a lifelong entrepreneur, told Johnson that “Milan is the place.”

Bruce Boynton, village attorney, said Milan is spending a lot of time on the project and is “committed.”

“For now,” Boynton said, “we are lining up support from the City of Grants, the county, Zuni, Acoma and Laguna. We want to make it happen.”

Economic Development Director Star Gonzales has also been involved since Pioneer first contacted Milan in 2008.

Johnson echoed Boynton's thought in need of public support. “We are also meeting with regional environmental groups and they've come to a conclusion that some trees need to be cut,” said Johnson.

A key component for the project to happen is the U.S. Forest Service. The operation will need an adequate timber supply, “about 400,000 tons per year,” according to Johnson.

“It is generally viewed as a win-win situation,” said Boynton, “Pioneer will thin the forest addressing a severe need for fire suppression and will contribute to a healthy sustainable forest.”

Also discussed was the opportunity for economic stimulus funds. The Forest Service and state foresters have been asked for opportunities to use some of the funds, according to Pioneer, and this particular project has significant advantages over many others because of the multiplier effect that can be gained with private investment.

According to Johnson, the facility will be a modern day mill, “totally automated, no forklifts and all the waste will go into dryers,” he said. The facility is estimated to cost nearly $140 million to build.

“A thinned forest will burn low and is fightable and on the other hand a thick forest burns high, jumping from tree to tree, and is out-of-control,” said Johnson. He added that a thinned forest will also reduce the chances of insect hazard and improved wildlife habitat and water flows.

The village and the company are requesting a resolution be passed by the county commission in support of the effort to thin the forests because of potential fire danger and possible private business participation in such a project. Representatives such as Gonzales and Matt Allen of Mt. Taylor Millwork, attended the county meeting in support of the Pioneer project.

Pioneer will not dictate which trees should be removed from Forest Service land, “that decision will be made by the Forest Service,” Johnson stated.