DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,436

PONDERAY NEWSPRINT COMPANY
USK, 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 May 28, 2008, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Ponderay Newsprint
Company, Usk, Washington. The workers produce newsprint paper for
the magazine and newspaper industry.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
facility declined between 2006 and 2007, and January through April
2008 over the corresponding 2007 period.
The investigation further revealed that sales and production
declined during the full year period of 2007 compared with the
corresponding period of 2006.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding purchases of newsprint paper for
2006, 2007, and the period of January through April 2007 and 2008.
The survey revealed increased reliance on imports during the
relevant period.
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 newsprint paper produced at
Ponderay Newsprint Company, Usk, 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 Ponderay Newsprint Company, Usk, Washington
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after May 20, 2007 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 21st day of July 2008

/s/ Linda G. Poole


______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance