12/23/2008
RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today released the following statement after a meeting he led to discuss the potential shutdown of the Century Aluminum smelter here.
The meeting included company and steelworker representatives from Century Aluminum, officials from Appalachian Power Co., Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, representatives for U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, the mayors of Ravenswood and Ripley and city council members, as well as state legislators whose districts include Jackson County.
“Today’s meeting was very positive. I think all the stakeholders involved agree how very serious the situation we’re dealing with is. We all have to be willing to see what sacrifices must be made to get through a downturn in the market. That is a short-term solution. We must also look at long-term ways to be more competitive.
“State government must be a good partner and we will use every resource we have and all the energy we have to make sure we do everything humanly possible to prevent this plant from closing. That also means bringing our Congressional delegation together to meet with the leaders of the parent company to let them know of our commitment.
“We all share the same goal and I am optimistic, but I think everyone understands the reality of what we’re dealing with and that it’s not going to be easy.”
The governor plans to organize a joint state-federal delegation to meet with Century’s parent company officials to show the strong support for the Ravenswood plant from all levels of government. He said they also hope to discuss long-term solutions to modernize and make the plant more competitive in the future.
Contact Information
Jama Jarrett or Melvin Smith
304-558-2000