Statement of Bob McDonnell on Closing of International Paper Facility in Franklin

-1100 Jobs Lost in Mill Closing-

CULPEPER- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, issued the following statement today upon news that International Paper will close its Franklin facility, resulting in the loss of 1100 jobs.

“For over a century the paper industry has been an indispensable part of the economy and culture of Franklin City, Suffolk City, Isle of Wight and Southampton counties. With today’s closing of the International Paper mill 1100 jobs will be lost and my thoughts are with all the workers and their families. We know that a closing like this will not be easy to recover from. But we also know that the people of this region are resilient and strong, as we witnessed in the recovery from the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.  This is a tough moment. But, working together, we will get new jobs created in this area and get the men and women of the International Paper mill back to work, with the good paying jobs that they need and deserve. Creating good jobs all across Virginia has been the focus of our campaign, and it will be my unrelenting focus as governor. Together, we will get our economy turned around and create new jobs in Franklin and all across Virginia.”