US Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $461,000 to assist workers in Oregon affected by lumber industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $461,300 grant to assist about 65 workers affected by layoffs at Weyerhaeuser Co. – Dallas Lumber, in Dallas, Ore.

"Today's grant will help these Oregonians access the re-employment and retraining services that are so crucial to transitioning into new careers in promising sectors of the economy," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, this grant will be operated by the Enterprise for Employment and Education. If a pending Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition for these workers is also approved, today's grant will provide "wrap-around" and supportive services, such as dependent care and transportation assistance, that are not available through the TAA program. If the TAA petition is denied, workers still will have access to the full array of training and employment-related services under this grant.

Layoffs at Weyerhaeuser took place in February and March 2009.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

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/.