SARTELL -- As the cleanup and investigation into the Verso Paper Mill explosion and fire continues, officials with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development are standing by, waiting to help.

DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips says the situation is still unfolding and they don't have many answers at this point.  He says Verso hasn't asked for any help and DEED hasn't offered any help because they don't yet know what's needed.

Phillips says they are able to help with unemployment benefits from displaced workers, financing and covering gaps in insurance coverage. He says it's unclear if any public infrastructure has been damaged by the explosion and fire because it was mostly contained to private property.

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