The Associated Press

WEST PORTSMOUTH, Ohio - An ice storm in February could result in an unexpected bonus for the area around the Shawnee State Forest in Scioto County.

The storm damaged thousands of trees in the forest about 80 miles south of Columbus.

Now, timber from those oak, hickory and tulip trees will be sold by the state. That could result in more than $630,000 in economic benefits for local governments and school districts during the next two years.

The Washington-Nile Local School District, Scioto County and Nile Township will receive the bulk of the money. A few other townships also might receive part of it.

Area officials say the money will help make up for budget cuts by the state. County Commissioner Tom Reiser estimates that state budget cuts have cost the county tens of thousands of dollars.

State forestry officials hope to salvage $2 million worth of lumber. State forests are allowed to keep 20 percent of the profit from selling the lumber. That money would cover overtime and other expenses related to storm cleanup.

The forestry division of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is required to give 35 percent of the money to the school district, 17.5 percent each to the county and townships and 10 percent to the state's general revenue fund.

The school district probably would use its share of the money - roughly $300,000 - for extracurricular activities and to improve the Portsmouth West High School athletic complex.

Scioto County's share would be about $157,000. Reiser said the money will go toward a $12 million jail the county hopes to begin building this year.

The township, which also will receive about $157,000, will use the money for road improvement.