TAFT COMMENDS AK STEEL FOR INVESTING IN MIDDLETOWN FACILITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2004

Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft today commended AK Steel for its decision to address environmental issues at its Middletown facility.

“AK Steel is vital to Ohio’s economy and provides thousands of good jobs for Ohioans at its operations in Coshocton, Mansfield, Zanesville, Walbridge and Middletown,” Taft said. “By moving forward in addressing environmental concerns at the Middletown facility, AK Steel has demonstrated its dedication to its employees and their families. The State of Ohio is committed to helping AK Steel succeed, and will continue to work with the company in providing the necessary assistance to keep good steel jobs in Ohio.”

Through the Ohio Department of Development, the state is working with AK Steel in developing an incentive package to assist the company in financing approved pollution control equipment. In addition to other state assistance, AK Steel is eligible for up to $80 million in volume cap allocation for tax-exempt bond financing.