US Department of Labor announces assistance for Wisconsin workers affected by paper mill layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $918,702 grant to provide training and job search services to about 175 workers affected by the closure of the NewPage Corp. paper mill in Stevens Point, Wis.

"The decline of Wisconsin's paper manufacturing industry over the past few years has taken a toll on this community," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am glad that my department can assist these former paper mill workers by providing the means for them to prepare for and find employment in Wisconsin's growing industries, such as food manufacturing and health care."

Awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the grant will provide assistance in conjunction with services the same workers will receive as a result of their eligibility for Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits.

In December 2010, NewPage workers received notice of the pending closure of the Stevens Point paper mill. Layoffs began in January and continued through April 2011. The mill was a manufacturing facility for lightweight coated paper used by the publishing and printing industry.

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/.