Ivan Makes Waves with Lumber Prices, Not Insurance Rates
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Ivan`s ripple effects are rolling all the way back to Arkansas, and the steadily rising cost of construction materials.
The price of plywood, for example, has increased 4% since August, and 21% from a year ago.
The Nelson Company`s Keith Hunt says hurricanes can have a huge effect on the southern states--from those that use the wood to protect and rebuild property, to the states that ship more wood out to others.
He says companies have to keep up with demand.
"Being able to produce it in mass quantities to take care of the people here building and the people purchasing in the south where hurricanes are hitting," said Hunt.
The Arkansas Insurance Department says they do not expect insurance rates to increase for Arkansans.
Those rates are based on events in the area, and the hurricane has clearly done no damage here.
