Gov. Martin O'Malley issued the following statement regarding RG Steel's announcement on Thursday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection:

“For generations, Sparrows Point has been a major employer for hundreds of Baltimore families and a significant asset for the State.

“Since the acquisition of the facility by RG Steel, our Departments of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) have been working with RG to provide incentives in the form of training assistance for the employees to enhance their skills.  It is unfortunate that market and industry forces too large to be overcome by any form of incentive assistance have brought RG to its current circumstances.

“The State will continue to work closely with the employees to continue to offer assistance in any appropriate way. The State will also continue to provide assistance to Baltimore County officials as they look at opportunities to utilize unused portions of the former Bethlehem Steel property.”