“This is about helping families and communities as much as it is about assisting the workers themselves,” Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said. “Montana's timber industry has been hard-hit in recent months, and we need to apply every resource available to help restore the careers of those who have been put out of work.”

The first $187,653 of the $500,410 announced today will be sent to the Montana Department of Labor.  The grant can be used for a variety of services, such as career planning, employment development, individual counseling, occupational skills training, on-the-job training, entrepreneurial training, job-readiness training and adult education.  Supportive services may include childcare, transportation assistance and job-related certifications, uniforms and equipment.

Today's announcement will assist workers laid off by several companies in recent months, including: Owens and Hurst (Eureka), Don Pluid Logging (Eureka), Darwin Pluid (Eureka), James Jett Corporation ( Eureka), Owens and Bray, Inc., (Kalispell), Stillwater Forest Products (Kalispell) - companies that have announced layoffs (with WARN notices) this year.

“This is vital funding, and I’m pleased we’re able to provide immediate assistance to the families who have lost their livelihoods,” said Rehberg.  “It calls to mind once again the hardships on our communities from the irrational routine of healthy forest management obstruction practiced by extreme environmental organizations.”