Task force on drywall problem appointed

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A top Virginia official has appointed a task force to develop the state's strategy for dealing with drywall from China that has prompted complaints nationwide.

State Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng will chair the 16-member panel of state officials and residents affected by the drywall. More than 2,360 homeowners nationwide have said the drywall made them sick and corroded wiring throughout their homes.

Cheng decided to form the group after a visit last month to Newport News, where dozens of homes have been identified as containing the Chinese drywall. Cheng says the panel will form a plan for responding to any action taken by the federal government on the drywall problem.