Gov. Gregoire’s statement on AREVA expansion in Tri-Cities

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2009

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on AREVA’s announcement that the company has chosen to expand its Richland facility:

“This is great news for the Tri-Cities area, and a testament to our commitment to create an even more friendly business environment in the state of Washington. My staff and I, as well as the state’s Department of Commerce, have been working closely with AREVA for many months to ensure the company grows and expands here. I am pleased that AREVA chose Washington for this consolidation and expansion which means approximately 50 jobs will be added to AREVA’s Richland facility. AREVA’s expansion solidifies the Tri-Cities area as a global research and development hub for the carbon-free energy sector.

“Energy is a vital industry in Washington and AREVA plays an essential role as the state moves forward as a leader with innovative solutions. We are committed to doing everything possible to keep AREVA manufacturing, engineering, and research and development activities in this state.”