CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today applauded the approval of federal Trade Adjustment Assistance for Fraser Paper Mill and Perras Lumber employees.

The Fraser Mill in Gorham plans to lay off 167 employees effective April 13. The mill will remain open and continue to employ about 180 workers. Perras Lumber of Groveton, a supplier to the recently closed Wausau Papers Mill, laid off 12 employees in December.

“Trade Adjustment Assistance will provide critical aid to workers, including access to health insurance, and assistance in re-entering the workforce,” Gov. Lynch said. “I will continue to work with the state and federal officials to ensure these workers get the assistance they need in this difficult time.”

Trade Adjustment Assistance helps workers who lose their jobs because of increased imports, or shifts in production to foreign countries. The program provides eligible workers with career counseling, training, income support during training, job search assistance and access to a health coverage tax credit.