US Department of Labor grant to assist Oregon workers affected by closure of Boise White Paper

WASHINGTON – A $175,318 National Emergency Grant was announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor to assist about 70 of the 110 workers affected by the closure of Boise White Paper LLC in St. Helens, Ore.

Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community College and Workforce Development, the grant will provide eligible workers with access to training and a broad range of support services, in conjunction with other services they may receive as a result of their eligibility for Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits.

Boise White Paper manufactured packaging products and paper. The company notified employees that its manufacturing operations would cease by March 31, and the facility would shut down because of a decline in the demand for the company's products.

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/.