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.�