Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Grays Harbor mill agreement

For Immediate Release: February 15, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the proposed sale of the Weyerhaeuser Company�s Cosmopolis mill:

�This morning�s announcement by Weyerhaeuser is fantastic news for the people of Cosmopolis and Grays Harbor County.

�Two years ago when I visited Cosmopolis, there was talk of closing the mill and selling it for parts. This would have resulted in the permanent layoffs of hundreds of workers with good- paying jobs. During that visit, I made a commitment to the community that I would work with them to save the mill and protect those jobs.

�We followed through on the commitment. Today, thanks to the hard work of Weyerhaeuser, Evergreen Pulp, the Grays Harbor Public Utility District, City of Cosmopolis, Paneltech, legislators, millworkers and so many others, it appears the facility may soon reopen for business.

�Everyone involved in the partnership deserves our enormous gratitude for working to restore these jobs and keep the mill alive.�

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