US DOL announces more than $800,000 to assist Oregon lumber industry layoffs

On December 3, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a grant of up to $831,423 to assist approximately 75 workers affected by layoffs at Hampton Affiliates' Tillamook Lumber in Tillamook, Oregon .

The grant was awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, and will be operated by the Oregon Consortium and Oregon Workforce Alliance. This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and 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.

The 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.