Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 2, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke announces available assistance for Georgia-Pacific workers

OLYMPIA - All Georgia-Pacific workers are eligible for retraining and other assistance, Gov. Gary Locke announced today in the wake of Georgia-Pacific's announcement it will permanently close its Bellingham pulp mill.

"If the affected workers enroll in retraining, they may be eligible for 74 to 78 weeks of income support as well as tuition and other assistance," Locke said.

Last February, Locke introduced and signed legislation that provided for these benefits.

"Washington state community colleges are also working around the clock to initiate a program for the impacted workers," Locke said.

Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College and Skagit Valley College are working with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to find emergency funds to expand room at the colleges for the affected people.

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