CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today said the state will do all it can to assist workers who will be laid off from the AT&T call center in Dover. Company officials announced today they will be closing the center in February, impacting more than 300 employees.

AT&T Government Solutions in Dover has contracted with the U.S. State Department since 1996, providing support for the National Passport Information Center.

“I know this will be extremely difficult for these workers and their families. New Hampshire state government is committed to helping them through this difficult time,” Gov. Lynch said. “Our state Rapid Response has already begun making plans to meet with the workers and is ready to provide them with job training and job placement assistance.”

The state’s Rapid Response team provides assistance to help displaced workers re-enter the workforce. Assistance can include resume writing and job counseling, to retraining. The Rapid Response team includes representatives of the state departments of Employment Security, Labor, Resources and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, the New Hampshire Community College System and NHWorks.

Gov. Lynch has sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State urging reconsideration of the decision not to renew the contract.

“The Dover facility has provided a highly qualified and trained team of individuals that has served the State Department well since the initial NPIC contact was awarded in September 1996,” Gov. Lynch wrote. “It makes no sense to move the jobs of more than 300 trained, diligent and hard working employees who perform a critical function, especially at a time when we are working to stimulate the economy.”

Gov. Lynch has also been in close contact with Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, who represents Dover, about the planned closure.