US Department of Labor announces more than $800,000 to assist workers in Oregon affected by lumber industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant of up to $831,423 to assist approximately 75 workers affected by layoffs at Hampton Affiliates' Tillamook Lumber in Tillamook, Ore.

"Today's grant will provide the retraining and re-employment services necessary for these Oregonians to upgrade existing skills or seek out retraining that leads to careers in growing regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by the Oregon Consortium and Oregon Workforce Alliance. It will provide these dislocated workers, all of whom are also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, not available through the TAA program.

Layoffs at Hampton Affiliates' Tillamook Lumber began on April 6. An initial increment of $501,765 will be made available to serve these workers with the remainder of the funds distributed as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.