14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-What will Big Run bring to Kentucky?

What will Big Run bring to Kentucky?

Reporter: Stuart Peck
New Media Producer: Nick Storm 

A 14 News follow up to a story we first brought you last week. Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher stopped in Ohio County Friday to officially announce the reopening of the Big Run Mine near Centertown.

An announcement by the Armstrong Coal Company last week that it will re-open Big Run Mine has many including the governor looking to the future of mining in Kentucky.

Governor Ernie Fletcher, says, "It's a good day, good day for Ohio County, it's a great day for Ohio county and a great day for Kentucky. It has long been said that coal is Kentucky's ace in the hole, and I firmly believe that."

Governor Fletcher spent Friday morning celebrating the re-opening of the mine and the 900 jobs it will bring to the area, and with Peabody energy taking a close look at the commonwealth, Fletcher believes that plant will come too if the incentives are in place.

Governor Fletcher, says,  "I can't say it's absolutely a done deal, but let me say this, if we get the legislation that is attractive for companies like Peabody, then I'm pretty confident that they will make a decision to come here in Kentucky."

Armstrong coal officials say this is the right time to start mining again. The company will start hiring miners by next spring and begin operations next summer.