Grant to assist Maine workers affected by Great Northern Paper
layoffs announced by US Labor Department

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $284,879 National Emergency Grant to serve approximately 112 workers affected by layoffs at Great Northern Paper Co. LLC, located in East Millinocket, Maine.

"A layoff of this size has a tremendous impact in a rural area, such as East Millinocket," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Portia Wu. "This National Emergency Grant will help these individuals by providing the services needed to aid them in becoming re-employed in targeted industries, such as construction, energy, health care and transportation."

This federal grant, awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, will provide assistance to these workers in conjunction with the services they will receive as a result of their eligibility for Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits. All of the workers identified for re-employment services have also been certified as eligible for TAA. This dual enrollment project will provide these TAA-certified workers with access to "wrap around" services that are not available through the TAA program alone.

The Tri County Workforce Investment Board will manage the provision of services to meet the needs of these dislocated workers.

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.