Norfolk Southern Corp. announced yesterday that a major upgrade to its Lamberts Point export coal transload facility in Norfolk, Va., recently reached the completion stage.

The work positions the facility, known as Pier 6, to remain the largest and fastest coal transload facility in the northern hemisphere, NS officials said in a prepared statement. The facility transfers coal hauled by train from Appalachian coal fields to ships bound for markets worldwide.

The $18 million upgrade, which was completed on schedule over a 90-day period beginning in August, involved major overhauls of the facility's dumper system and two loaders. The dumper system transfers coal from rail cars to a conveyor system. NS plans to upgrade a south set of dumpers in spring 2013.

"This investment reflects our belief in the long-term prospects for the global coal market and Norfolk Southern's continuing pivotal role in that market," said Danny Smith, NS' senior vice president of energy and property.

The most recent upgrades coincide with the 50th anniversary of Pier 6, which began operations on one loader in December 1962. NS plans to hold an anniversary celebration in April 2013 for the second loader, which came online in spring 1963.

Pier 6 features an annual throughput capacity of 36 million tons of coal and can handle up to 8,000 tons of coal per hour. In January, Pier 6 loaded a record 159,941 net tons of coal onto a ship bound for China.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) Wednesday met in his Capitol Hill office with Wyoming County Circuit Clerk David "Bugs" Stover, who recently completed his third walk from Wyoming County to Washington to raise awareness about the importance of coal to West Virginia's economy.

"I was privileged to welcome Bugs to Washington after his first walk in behalf of coal more than thirty years ago.  Those today who look at Bugs march to Washington as long and lonely are only half right.  By any stretch, the years haven't made the journey any shorter, but whether they know it or not, Bugs marched with millions who benefit from coal," said Rahall.  "Bugs cares passionately about our coal miners and families, and he understands well the importance of coal to our State in providing miners with a means to earn an honest living and provide for their families. Bugs won't ever give up on fighting for our coal miners, and neither will I."

President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency has devoted an unprecedented number of bureaucrats to finalizing new anti-coal regulations that are set to be released at the end of November, according to a source inside the EPA.

“Four years ago, President Obama promised that the electric utility rates would go up for people who get their power from coal-fired power plants,” Palmer said. “He also promised that if a company tried to build a coal-fired power plant, he would bankrupt them,” Palmer said. “It’s pretty serious when people mess with your job security and your job.”

Palmer said that he can’t stand idly by and watch someone come in with a jackhammer, knock out the foundation and watch my home crumble,” he said. “Coal has powered this nation for years. Please don’t throw us away now.”

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 Ladies Auxililary is a 501-C-3 Non-Profit Organization – FEIN #27-3379290