Gov. Gregoire�s statement on AREVA facility

For Immediate Release: May 6, 2008

AREVA selects Idaho as the site for its new uranium enrichment facility

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire�s statement on AREVA NP Inc. decision to locate a new uranium enrichment plant in Idaho:

�I�m disappointed that AREVA chose not to locate its new facility in Washington state. The company is a valued corporate citizen of our state. Yesterday, AREVA executives expressed to me their desire to continue our partnership and indicated they will consider Washington state for future renewable energy projects.�

In a letter to the governor explaining the company�s decision, AREVA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Murphy complimented Washington�s efforts to land the facility in Washington.

�Indeed the strengths of Washington include the tremendous enthusiasm demonstrated by the local community and the political leadership�s support at federal, state and local levels,� Murphy said.

�While today�s news is unfortunate, we will continue to work hard to attract innovative companies like AREVA with this type of high-quality business and good-paying jobs for our state,� concluded Gregoire.


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