Democratic U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud on Friday urged U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to quickly approve a Trade Adjustment Assistance application on behalf of workers at the Fraser Timber Ltd. sawmill in Ashland.

Earlier this week, it was announced the mill would lay off 65 to 70 workers Feb. 1. The company says that increased imports of Canadian lumber have drastically reduced the lumber prices in the United States.

“On Dec. 31, 2007, the Trade Adjustment Assistance program expired,” said Michaud, who represents Maine’s 2nd District. “The president has refused to sign or negotiate with Congress on expanding the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, a program that provides direct financial relief to workers who lose their job due to trade. I strongly encourage the president and congressional leaders to include a TAA expansion in the economic stimulus package to ensure there is a continuum of coverage.”

On Thursday, Republican Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine urged Chao to promptly consider any TAA applications that will be filed on behalf of the Ashland workers and the 73 workers due to be laid off at J.D. Irving Forest Products’ Pinkham Sawmill in Nashville Plantation.