Manchin, Capito Announce $180K For Mine Safety In West Virginia

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

September 30, 2021

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $180,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to Marshall University and West Virginia University Research Corporations for mine safety. The funding is from the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants Program, which supports education and training to identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working conditions in coal mines.

“In West Virginia, we’ve experienced multiple mine disasters including Sago, Aracoma and Upper Big Branch that showcased the dire need for increased mine safety to protect our brave miners. As Governor, I worked tirelessly to establish stricter mine safety laws and standards and as Senator, I’ve continued to fight in Washington to prevent tragic disasters and ensure safe working conditions for our miners. These programs will provide much-needed prevention and preparedness training for coal miners and operators across the Mountain State. Our miners deserve to be safe as they work tirelessly to power our nation, and I will continue to fight for our brave West Virginia miners,” said Senator Manchin.

“Coal mining is a proud tradition here in the Mountain State, but it is not without risks, and I cannot stress enough the importance of mine safety,” Senator Capito said. “That’s why it’s incredibly important that we make sure their safety remains the top priority. I’m glad to see this funding heading to both WVU and Marshall where they will be able to further invest in education and training programs to help equip miners with the right tools to conduct their jobs safely.”

Individual awards listed below:

· $130,000 – Marshall University Research Corporation

o This funding will be used to develop videos on powered haulage safety, fire safety emergency preparedness and personal protective equipment.

· $50,000 – West Virginia University Research Corporation

o This funding will be used to provide emergency prevention and preparedness training to coal miners and coal mine operators in the areas of Self Contained Self Rescuer expectations and mine rescue.