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

Voter Registration Deadline Oct 16 – THIS COMING TUESDAY

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.

Tomorrow the Association will file comments with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) on the agency’s “triennial review” of the state’s water quality standards program.  Under the Clean Water Act, WV DEP is required to evaluate the water quality standards of the state every three years.  WV DEP will begin this process next year with any formal revisions to the program being proposed in 2014 for public comment and review by the West Virginia Legislature.  The Association’s comments will focus on the classification of streams as drinking water supplies and trout waters, the need for comprehensive tools to measure compliance with the state’s narrative water quality standards and the specific, numeric standards for aluminum, beryllium and selenium.    For a copy of the comments contact jbostic@wvcoal.com

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