West Virginia University’s engineering and mineral resources school will be named the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in honor of businessman, philanthropist and alumnus Ben Statler, WVU President Jim Clements and other officials announced Thursday (Jan. 12).

Statler and his wife, Jo, both natives of Monongalia County, today pledged $34 million to the College – the largest single gift commitment ever to the University and to a college – at a special ceremony at Erickson Alumni Center; $11 million of the donation will qualify for a match from the state Research Trust Fund, making the total value of the naming gift $45 million. A portion of today’s pledge comes from a previously announced commitment.

FOLA, W.Va. -- Flying at about 1,000 feet above the hills of Clay County, a trio of West Virginia Air National Guard C-130s approached a 360-acre drop zone on an expanse of a reclaimed surface mine, opened their cargo ramps, and reduced their air speed to 150 miles per hour.

Charleston Gazette

Drug testing for miners to be mandatory

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin promised Wednesday night to seek more state mine safety improvements, but his list of proposals fell short of what independent investigators have said is needed to truly reform West Virginia's mining operations.

In a State of the State address that repeated Tomblin's strong allegiance to the coal industry, the governor also outlined his legislative response to investigative findings concerning the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster.

In a 2-1 decision, a U.S. District Court this week struck down the state’s congressional redistricting plan. The federal panel found that West Virginia's congressional redistricting plan didn't create sufficient equal districts and was therefore unconstitutional. The ruling gave state lawmakers until January 17 to redraw the districts or they would do it for the state.

In response, state officials indicate they will file an appeal of the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court or request a judge's stay that would allow the Legislature more time to come up with a court-approved plan.

The 2012 Regular Session of the West Virginia State Legislature will begin January 11 and run through March 10.  This year’s session will see some changes with leadership, but we expect it to be relatively smooth.

The key issues for the session from the perspective of the Association include congressional redistricting, developing a comprehensive drug testing policy for the mining industry and the development of manpower training opportunities for the mining industry.

Governor Tomblin will kick off the session with his first State of the State Address since being elected to complete the term of former Governor and now U.S. Senator Joe Manchin.  Tomblin will deliver the State of the State Address beginning at 7 pm on January 11.

Prior to the opening of the regular session, Interim meetings of the Legislature begin on Sunday, January 8. Discussion is expected to center around ways to address the recent U.S. District Court decision striking down the state’s congressional redistricting plan.