Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Meet with Luke, Maryland Mayor Ed Clemons and Allegany County Administrator Brandon Butler

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) met with Luke, Maryland Mayor Ed Clemons, Jr. and Allegany County Administrator Brandon Butler to speak about the closing of the Verso Paper Mill.

“We are deeply disappointed in the decision to close the Verso paper mill and concerned about the effects this closure will have on its employees, the Town of Luke, and the regional economy. We appreciated the chance to sit down with Mayor Ed Clemons, Jr. and Allegany County Administrator Brandon Butler today to discuss ways in which we can support the community at this difficult time. We know the closure of the paper mill will have a serious impact, and we stand firm in our commitment to work together on the local, state, and federal level to advocate for resources to help the impacted workers gain employment, to ensure the supply of water and sewer services, and to promote economic development in the region. We will be aggressive in our support for Maryland’s request for federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

“We will continue to stay in close contact with the Mayor and County officials as we move forward in our efforts,” said Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Trone following their meeting.

“With the shock of the news of the mill closure, I am grateful for the outpouring of support from the Senators and the Congressman to assist the town in moving forward. My hope is they can put the word in the right places so we can get all the federal assistance that we are requesting, especially for our immediate water and sewer needs,” said Luke Mayor Ed Clemons, Jr. 

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support of our federal delegation. From the moment the announcement was made, our federal partners and state agencies under Governor Hogan’s direction made it clear to Allegany County’s commissioners and staff that this community was their priority,” said County Administrator Brandon Butler. 

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