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Federal money to help ex-Potlatch workers
Posted: Thursday, February 06, 2003
The Region 5 Development Commission has received $50,000 in federal funds that will be used to assist the 616 workers who lost jobs by the closing of Brainerd's Potlatch plant.
Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., announced the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration funding Wednesday. The money will be used to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to assist the displaced workers.
"When Potlatch, a paper production company, closed, 2.5 percent of Crow Wing County's work force was put out of work," the Eighth District congressman said. "I am hopeful that this EDA investment will serve as a foundation for future economic success that will benefit families and businesses in Crow Wing County."