US Department of Labor provides grant to assist Idaho workers affected by closure of Clearwater Papers sawmill in Lewiston

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $947,841 National Emergency Grant to provide re-employment services to about 125 workers affected by the closure of Clearwater Paper Corp.'s sawmill in Lewiston, Idaho.

On Nov. 22, 2011, many workers were laid off as a result of the sawmill's closure. Clearwater Paper manufactures products including consumer tissue and bleached paperboard and pulp at 15 locations throughout the United States and Canada.

"Closure of the Clearwater Paper sawmill resulted in layoffs that impacted individuals, families and the Lewiston community as a whole," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The federal government grant announced today will help dislocated workers acquire the skills they need to find new jobs in the local economy's high growth industries."

Awarded to the Idaho Department of Labor, the grant will provide workers with extensive services to prepare them for jobs in advanced manufacturing, green energy, health care, technology and transportation, among other expanding industries.

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/.