ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton plans to travel to Sartell to offer the community his support after Verso Paper Corp. announced it won’t reopen its paper mill.

A Verso official met with Dayton Thursday and told him the company is permanently closing the plant. The mill was heavily damaged by a Memorial Day explosion and fire.

A Dayton spokeswoman says the governor will be in Sartell on Friday to meet with local officials. She says Dayton will do everything he can to recruit a company to buy the mill or find an investor for the site.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar calls Verso’s decision “heartbreaking.” Klobuchar also will visit Sartell Friday with Dayton.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann says she understands Verso’s decision. She says anytime Minnesotans lose their jobs “is a heartbreaking day.”

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