WASHINGTON, DC - Today (mARCH 17), Congressman Mike Michaud announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has certified workers at Katahdin Paper Company as eligible to receive Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits if they are needed.

"The entire Katahdin region is facing a very challenging set of circumstances right now," said Michaud. "While news of this certification for the workers is positive, I'm hopeful that the benefits are not needed and a reasonable deal between the towns and the buyer can be worked out. I have been in close contact with Millinocket and East Millinocket throughout this process and stand ready to help in any way that I can moving forward."

The 2009 updates made to the TAA program allowed petitions to be submitted on behalf of workers when layoffs are expected. TAA provides workers with a variety of reemployment services and benefits to help them find new jobs and get back to work.