Federal Economic Recovery Money will Help Retrain Workers Laid Off from Tillamook Lumber Company
Washington, D.C. - Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced today that Oregon has been awarded an initial $501,000 in economic recovery funds to help retrain 75 workers who lost their jobs following layoffs at the Hampton Affiliates' Tillamook Lumber Company.
"It is vital that we invest in these skilled, productive workers who have lost their jobs due to market conditions and not through any fault of their own," Wyden said. "The intent of the economic recovery act is to get people back to work and that's what the Administration is striving to do by awarding this money."
"Now more than ever our rural communities need this support, and I'm pleased the economic recovery funds can provide it," Merkley said. "These crucial dollars will help workers retrain and prepare to find jobs in our changing economy. With the right training and opportunity, they will be able to build a brighter future for their families and communities."
The Portland-based Hampton Affiliates announced in April that it would cut 85 jobs at its Tillamook plant. The company said the layoffs were the result of low market demand.
The National Emergency Grant, which could eventually total $831,000, was awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor and is being financed with money from the economic stimulus package, also known as American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The money was awarded to the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development. The geographic area covered by the award includes Tillamook County.
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