ATLANTA --- The chief executive officer and four heroes of the Port Wentworth sugar refinery that exploded Feb. 7 met with Gov. Sonny Perdue and key legislators Thursday.

During the 30-minute closed-door meeting, Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor didn't seek funds or tax breaks for rebuilding the plant. Instead, he sought aid for the hospitals that treated the victims and emergency agencies that responded.

"At this point, I haven't asked for anything," he said after the meeting. "We believe our financial resources are adequate."

The blast, sparked by sugar dust, killed nine and severely burned about 20 others.

Thursday's meeting was the first time Mr. Perdue and Mr. Sheptor had met in person.

"From the beginning of this tragedy, we've been in regular dialog with the governor's staff and legislative staff, and they have been very supportive," Mr. Sheptor said.

Mr. Perdue has recommended increased hospital reimbursement rates for when they treat the uninsured. Though the Imperial employees weren't uninsured, the reimbursements will help the bottom line of the hospitals that treated those injured.

Mr. Perdue also is recommending a higher fine for drivers who are caught speeding by the highest margins, generating an estimated $53 million for trauma care, notes Perdue Press Secretary Bert Brantley.

Already, 120 people are back to work at the plant, helping investigators, recovering processed sugar and assessing how to begin rebuilding. Until operations resume in full, many local small businesses are likely to struggle, and Mr. Sheptor said he asked Mr. Perdue for help for them.

Four of the workers who played heroic roles the night of the explosion joined Mr. Sheptor on the tour Thursday, though company officials declined to identify them. Two employees turned off the boiler in the boiler rooms, saving lives, said Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Savannah. The foursome was applauded by the House of Representatives.