Manchin and Capito Applaud New Mine Rescue and Emergency Preparedness Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) welcomed a $171,805 award for West Virginia University (WVU) from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration. The funding will support mine rescue and mine emergency preparedness efforts.
WVU is one of six organizations receiving funding through the Brookwood-Sago Grant Program, which promotes mine safety, while honoring the West Virginia miners lost in the 2006 Sago Mine disaster. The program was created by the MINER Act, which Senator Capito introduced while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. The award will enhance mine safety by funding the development and implementation of a series of realistic mine safety training exercises.
“I was Governor during the Sago, Aracoma and Upper Big Branch disasters and I have seen firsthand the need for increased mine safety standards. Following those disasters, I fought for stronger mine safety practices and equipment to protect our miners and make sure they come home to their families every day. A strong mining industry begins with a strong commitment to the safety of our miners. For many West Virginia families, mining is a way of life and has been an important part of our state’s culture and livelihood for decades. I’m pleased to see WVU receive this funding that will enable them to continue investing in programs that better prepare our mine rescue teams,” Senator Manchin said.
“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,” said Senator Capito, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This funding will allow WVU to invest in training programs that will equip mine rescue teams and fire brigades with the right tools.”
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