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ETA News Release: [03/28/2005]
Contact Name: Mike Volpe or Eryn Witcher or
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984 or x4676
Release Number: 05-0524-NAT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $500,410 Grant to Aid Dislocated Timber Workers in Montana

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $500,410, with an initial release of $187,653, to assist approximately 78 workers affected by layoffs from six companies within the timber industry.

"These Montana timber workers are facing a challenging time and we are here to help them find new jobs and move ahead to the next phase of their careers," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This grant will provide access to career counseling, job training and other supportive services to ease their transition into new occupations."

Awarded to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the grant will assist workers laid off from Owens and Hurst, Don Pluid Logging, Darwin Pluid, and James Jett Corporation (doing business as Wright Scaling), in Eureka. Assistance also will be available to timber industry workers laid off by Owens and Bray Inc., and Stillwater Forest Products in Kalispell.

The grant will provide an array of services including assessment, individual counseling, career planning, employment development, occupational skills training, on-the-job and entrepreneurial training and adult education. Supportive services also will be available and may include child care, transportation assistance, job-related certifications, uniforms and equipment.

National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines.

For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.