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Tomblin Signs Century Aluminum Tax Break
By: Associated Press
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West Virginia officials hope a newly created tax break will help reopen a Jackson County aluminum plant.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin traveled to Ravenswood on Monday to sign the legislation meant to aid Century Aluminum.
More than 650 people lost their jobs when the California-based company shut down the smelter in 2009.
The credits would allow Century to save up to $20 million annually for 10 years on electricity costs when aluminum prices are weak.
Tomblin proposed the measure after Century and its retirees reached a hard-fought agreement over health benefits.
Several dozen retirees, company officials and others attended Monday's signing at the sprawling plant along the Ohio River.
The remaining hurdles for the plant to reopen include a long-term power contract and a new labor agreement.