LEWISTON, ME - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud issued the following statement after hearing news of the permanent closure of Irving Forest Product's Pinkham Saw Mill in Nashville Plantation, which will result in 64 workers losing their jobs.  Mill officials cited the slumping housing market, a doubling of energy costs, and transportation costs as reasons for the closure.

"Pinkham Saw Mill and its employees have gone through a lot in the past few months. They've shutdown, reopened, and are now closing permanently.  The housing market hasn't been easy on anyone lately, and today's shutdown is yet another sign that we still have a ways to go before we get out of this downturn. While Congress recently passed a major housing bill to help people through the current crisis, it may be some time until we see its benefits to our economy.

"As a mill worker for nearly 30 years at Great Northern Paper Company, I know how devastating this news is for these workers and their families.  I appreciate the fact that some of the workers losing their jobs will be offered opportunities at the company's other mills. Mainers have rallied for each other during difficult times in the past and will do so now.  In the days and weeks ahead, my office will work to provide whatever assistance is necessary to help these workers."