South Asheville News

Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC) announced on June 15 that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will be awarding the first segment of a grant totaling up to $7.5 million for Canton and surrounding areas.

This first award of $2.5 million of a National Dislocated Worker Grant will support employment and training services for those in Western North Carolina affected by the closure of the town of Canton’s Pactiv Evergreen paper mill.

Edwards released the following statement:

“I’m pleased to let constituents know that the first $2.5 million in funding of a Department of Labor National Dislocated Worker Grant, which could total up to $7.5 million, has been approved to support workers affected by the closure of Canton’s Pactiv Evergreen paper mill.

“While I’m deeply saddened by the closure of the mill that I grew up next to, I believe the DOL grant is a tremendous step in the right direction to help ease the burden of this closure on the workers and their families, to support them in their career transitions, and to help Canton, Haywood County, and the rest of our region move forward.

“My colleagues - Senators Tillis and Budd - and I put intense pressure on the DOL for rapid consideration of this grant application, and we’re glad this persistence paid off.

“I’d like to thank the DOL for recognizing the extreme need for this money in WNC.”

Senator Tillis released the following statement: “I am grateful that our request to expedite the N.C. Department of Commerce's request was granted, and although this is only the first down payment, it will still help provide some temporary support to paper mill workers during this difficult time. As the people of Canton rally to support one another, please know that I will continue to work with local leaders, Congressman Edwards, and Senator Budd to make sure the community is getting the help and assistance it needs from the federal government.”

Senator Budd released the following statement: “Following the heartbreaking announcement of the Canton Mill closure, I worked with Senator Tillis and Congressman Edwards to push the Department of Labor to fast-track existing federal dollars for dislocated worker grants for those who have been impacted. I’m glad to see the DOL award more than $2.5 million for retraining and worker development. We will continue to advocate for the people of Canton, and make sure they receive the assistance they need.”

This grant is the first phase of a National Dislocated Worker Grant of up to $7.5 million that will allow the state of North Carolina, through the Southwestern Workforce Development Board and Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, to provide retraining and skills development for dislocated workers in Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Swain and Transylvania counties.

Original source can be found here.