SENATOR WOZNIAK: FIRST QUALITY PLANS APPROVED BY STATE

            JOHNSTOWN, October 20, 2004 – First Quality Tissue LLC has received state approval to begin construction on a new facility in Lock Haven, state Sen. John N. Wozniak announced today. 

            “The state Department of Environmental Protection has approved First Quality’s air quality plan, after six months of negotiations between DEP and First Quality to resolve technical issues,” Wozniak said. “Now that the company has cleared this hurdle, the building process can start –- and, even more important, we can focus on the job opportunities this manufacturing facility will bring to the region.”

            The new facility, which is expected to employ as many as 300 workers in the manufacturing of paper towel and tissue products, will be built on the site of the former International Paper Co. plant in Castanea Township. 

            “The credit on the legislative side should go to Representative Mike Hanna, who has worked tirelessly to bring First Quality to the area,” Wozniak said. “I’m optimistic that we’ll be hearing even more ‘good news’ stories of economic progress in Lock Haven and throughout Clinton County.”

            Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty has cited First Quality as an example of a successful merger of job creation and environmental responsibility.

            “The partnership and cooperation between DEP and First Quality over the last several months has provided a significant boost to the regional economy, ensuring a higher quality of life and greater prosperity for families and communities,” McGinty said. 

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