Dayton urges Verso Paper to seek aid

by Conrad Wilson, Minnesota Public Radio

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Governor Mark Dayton says aid to rebuild a central Minnesota paper mill could come up in a special session, but the company must work with state economic development officials before the session takes place.

In a letter delivered Monday to Verso Paper Corporation's CEO David Paterson, Dayton reiterated the state's support for the mill in Sartell, calling it "crucially important" to the state's economy.

The mill, just north of St. Cloud, burned following an explosion on Memorial Day, killing one worker and injured four others. The fire burned for several days and shut down all operations. Subsequently, 259 workers were laid off.

Dayton plans to call a special legislative session in the upcoming weeks to get state aid to communities affected by flooding. He told the mill's chief executive, the mill's destruction "certainly qualifies for similar emergency assistance."

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials have ruled out arson.

The governor's letter to David Paterson