$10.5 million grant to help GNP workers

WASHINGTON – The Maine Department of Labor will receive a $10,599,101 National Emergency Grant to help affected Great Northern Paper workers in the Millinocket and East Millinocket area, members of Maine’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday.

“Millinocket, East Millinocket and the entire Katahdin region have been deeply impacted by the idling of the Great Northern mills and this has been a very difficult time for Great Northern workers. [This grant from the U.S. Department of Labor] comes at a critical time as hundreds of workers and their families need this assistance,” said U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins in a joint statement.

The grant “is tremendous news for the entire Katahdin region,” said U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud. “I am incredibly pleased that this funding will provide much needed assistance to dislocated workers.”

The Maine Department of Labor submitted an application for the National Emergency Grant on behalf of 550 workers at the Great Northern Paper mills in Millinocket and East Millinocket, as well as approximately 1,870 workers that are affected indirectly by the shutdown of both mills.