DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-60,128

PONY LUMBER COMPANY, LLC
TACOMA, WASHINGTON

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on September 22, 2006 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Pony Lumber
Company, LLC, Tacoma, Washington. The workers produce lumber
including stud and other types.
Employment and production at the Tacoma plant declined as the
facility shut down in September of 2006.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's primary
customers regarding their purchases of lumber in 2004, 2005, and
January through August 2006. Results of the survey indicated that
although respondents' imports declined somewhat, the decline in
purchases from the subject firm was greater, indicating an
increased reliance on imported lumber.
United States aggregate imports of softwood lumber increased
both absolutely and relative to domestic shipments in 2005 compared
with 2004 and in January through June, 2006 compared with the same
period in 2005.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
(ATAA) for older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 have
been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or
over and possess skills that are not easily transferable.
Competitive conditions within the industry are adverse.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with lumber produced at Pony Lumber
Company, LLC, Tacoma, Washington, contributed importantly to the
total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales
or production at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Pony Lumber Company, LLC, Tacoma, Washington
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after September 21, 2005 through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, and are also
eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D.C., this 3rd day of November 2006



/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance