EXHIBIT 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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        CONTACT:
        -------
        RICH WITASZAK
        Senior Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
        (816) 347-6974
        RWITASZAK@PAYLESS.CASHWAYS.COM
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               PAYLESS CASHWAYS, INC. ANNOUNCES BOARD RESIGNATIONS



KANSAS CITY, MO - September 19, 2001 - Payless Cashways, Inc. (OTC: PCSH) today
announced that all of the company's Board of Directors have resigned.
Additionally, Millard E. Barron, President & CEO, will leave the company
effective today. These actions are a result of the company's current Chapter 11
liquidation after an attempt to reorganize the company's business and to
restructure its debts.


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