Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 11, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke hails $4.5 million employment effort in timber-dependent communities

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today hailed the news that assistance is on the way for 800 workers in Washington who are being displaced as a result of the federal government's policy limiting timber harvests in the Northwest. The award was requested by the state to enable workers in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties to bounce back from the indirect impacts of the logging restrictions.

"To help workers get back on their feet with new jobs and careers, this effort will provide education and training as well as job search assistance," Locke said. "Displaced workers in timber-dependent communities can find a new place in our dynamic economy but may need this assistance to gain the skills necessary to move into different industries."

The federal government will make $2 million immediately available for these services, while up to another $2.5 million could be provided after the state completes a comprehensive assessment of the needs of affected workers.

The grant is part of the Economic Adjustment Initiative of the Northwest Forest Plan. The training and re-employment efforts are likely to target occupations such as fish and wildlife management, environmental sciences, computers and electronics, financial services, criminal justice, trucking and automotive fields, as well as other occupations.

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