JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon announced Tuesday afternoon he would provide $1.7 million in resources to assist with the 850 workers laid off or soon to be laid off by Noranda Aluminum in New Madrid.
Noranda filed for bankruptcy in early Feb. 2016, and while 490 workers have already been laid off, 360 more people will likely lose their jobs in the coming months.
“These layoffs have affected hundreds of Missouri families in the region, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help these workers transition and move forward,” Nixon said in a statement. “The resources we’re announcing today will not only help these hardworking Missourians make ends meet, they will also help stabilize the local economy.”
The money will come from funds within the Missouri Department of Economic Development (MDED) and will be used to help pay for utilities, job placement training and other forms of aid. The MDED has already been working with affected workers with career fairs.
New Madrid County will distribute the funds to those affected.
