WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — It appears talks between officials in Wisconsin Rapids and the Verso Paper Corporation may be warming for the first time in over a month.
Mayor Shane Blaser told WSAU News last week that during his latest conversation with the company he got a sense that things could take a turn for the better once the national economy rebounds from COVID-19.
“Their intent is still to sell it or operate it,” said Blaser. “So we are hoping [when COVID passes] we can start to see a new look in the economy and a rebound, or they can find a buyer that’s interested in doing something else with it in the paper industry.”
That puts the city in wait and see mode, which is a step up from where things were at the end of October when Verso announced they were taking the mill off the market. That was a blow to the proposed timber producers cooperative that was being organized between the City and Great Lakes Timber Producers. But Blaser says the most recent talks seem much more promising, which is good for the 900 families that saw their income disappear last summer.
“There is still intent to sell the mill, so we are hoping to see that happen and support it in whatever way we can. Hopefully, that switch will turn back on and [we can] produce paper, which we have for over 100 years.”
RELATED: Verso suspending efforts to sell idled Wisconsin Rapids mill
Verso shuttered the facility in July, which was not only a blow to the city but the entire Northwoods timber and trucking industry. The Verso plant processed 25% of the trees harvested from the Northwoods when it closed down, leaving many foresters without a place to send their timber and truckers without loads to carry.
At that same time, they also closed a plant in Duluth, Minnesota which left some 100 workers without a job.
Blaser says there is no hard timeline for when a final decision on the facility will be made.
Other topics Blaser discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- City taxes for 2021
5:30- Update on a proposal to create a street utility in lieu of special easements on property for street projects
8:50- Are street crews ready for winter? And other winter projects
14:50- Matalco update
17:20- Verso update
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