Laid-Off Clearwater Paper Sawmill Workers Eligible For Retraining Grants

Workers laid off from the Clearwater Paper sawmill in Lewiston could be eligible for re-employment services through the Idaho Department of Labor.

About 250 sawmill workers were laid off back in November 2011 after Clearwater Paper sold its mill operation.  At least 100 of those laid off got their jobs back when it reopened, but about 125 people didn’t.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced today nearly $950,000 is available to help dislocated workers retrain and find new jobs in Idaho.

In a written press release, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said, “Closure of the Clearwater Paper sawmill resulted in layoffs that impact individuals, families and the Lewiston community as a whole.  The federal government grant announced today will help dislocated workers acquire the skills they need to find new jobs in the local economy’s high growth industries.”

More than $6.6 million in National Emergency Grants have been awarded to Idaho companies in the last three years.