Today the West Virginia Rail Authority convened the first meeting of the State Rail Plan Steering Committee. The Committee will advise the Rail Authority and its contractor on issues related to railroad service (Class One, short line, industrial trackage and passenger/commuter service) as the state updates its federally-required Rail Investment and Improvement Plan for 2013.  The Committee will meet regularly over the next several months as the plan is developed.  The Association’s VP Jason Bostic was appointed to serve on the Committee and we will be contacting the membership for comments and recommendations on any suggestions offered for inclusion in the rail plan.  Contact jbostic@wvcoal.com for more information.

After thirty years, Security America is moving their offices today and tomorrow to a new larger headquarters at 3412 Chesterfield Avenue, Kanawha City, WV  25304.  Phone numbers will remain the same (304)925-4747.

The holiday season will soon be upon us.  The economic downturn has affected our state and the amount of families in need is staggering.

The FOC Ladies Auxiliary has begun their 5th annual “Giving Hearts” fund drive for WV families who are in need.  Donations can be made to FOC Ladies Auxiliary, PO Box 1109, Beckley, WV  25802-1109; (304) 255.1457 Ext. 20 and can be “county specific”.

Gifts will be prepared by the FOCLA and Saturday, December 8th, will be gift pick-up day at the offices in Mabscott.

The FOC Laidies Auxililary is a 501-C-3 Non-Profit Organization – FEIN #27-3379290

Please remember, the following deadlines for the upcoming general election:

Voter Registration Deadline Oct 16

Early Voting Begins Oct 24

General Election November 6th

We have never faced an election more vital to the future of our industry, our state and our nation. As you well know, this election is most important as the future of coal and our industry hangs in the balance.

As we have said many times, the major challenges and issues facing the industry today are political in nature being driven by political agendas that require political solutions. Please make every effort possible to mobilize your friends and family to assist in getting out the vote.

This past Monday, the Association filed comments with the federal Fish & Wildlife Service on the agency’s proposed designation of the diamond darter as an endangered species. Concurrent with the proposal to list the species as endangered, the agency proposed to designate several miles of the Elk River as “critical habitat” to protect the continued existence of the small fish species. The population in the Elk River is the last known occurrence of the diamond darter in the country. For a copy of WVCA’s comments contact jbostic@wvcoal.com