Pawlenty says state will help any way it can

Says many programs available

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Governor Tim Pawlenty arrived Friday to inspect the fire-damaged Associated Milk Producers Inc. butter plant.

As the smell of burned butter cut the cool late-afternoon air, Pawlenty met with local and company officials near First North Street.

Mark Furth, AMPI CEO and General Manager explained how the plant was laid out and what the fire was like when it began.

"Flames were 40 feet high and the fire was very hot," Furth said. "Firefighters were here within four minutes after the fire call."

The governor talked with AMPI Plant Manager Bill Swan who explained that he was at home eating dinner and watching "MASH" on television when he heard about the plant fire shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday.

It's been a busy past few days for Swan. He's been dealing with armies of media that made the trip to New Ulm to report on the blaze that destroyed the corner of the plant where three million pounds of butter were stored.

"We're still sorting things out ourselves," said Swan.

He said AMPI has received many types of offers of assistance from many New Ulm businesses and industries.

Pawlenty's message was that help is on the way.

"We'll help in any way we can," he said. "It's too early to tell where the gaps may be. It's incredible to see the way plant employees and firefighters responded. We want to encourage the company to rebuild. The damage is massive but I'm proud of the employees and the community."

The governor cited a number of state and federal programs including unemployment and displaced worker compensation could be available to the needy.

"It won't replace their income but it will help make up the difference," Pawlenty said. "It sounds like the plant was insured but we'll assess what's needed and see what we can do."

He took the time to meet and greet everybody near the plant including casual onlookers.

"New Ulm is a fantastic community," said Pawlenty. "The great thing about Minnesota is its people rally around each other during and after floods, tornadoes and fires."

He met with AMPI and City of New Ulm officials at the Kaiserhoff restaurant after the plant visit.

New Ulm Mayor Joel Albrecht said many programs are available that could help AMPI rebuild its plant.

"We just need to find the ones we can use that fit the situation," Albrecht said.

Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.