"States receiving these funds not only have a large number of mines, but have demonstrated a commitment to address the problem of inaccurate underground mine maps to prevent another Quecreek-type of situation," said MSHA assistant secretary Dave Lauriski.
Of the $3.9 million, $1.2 million will be awarded to West Virginia; $1 million each to Kentucky and Pennsylvania; $317,000 to Virginia; $52,000 each to Ohio, Utah, Illinois, and Indiana; $51,000 each to Colorado and Alabama; $50,000 each to Maryland and New Mexico; and $25,000 to New York.
The funding will allow states to provide information to mine operators electronically about the location of abandoned underground mines.
MSHA hopes the grants will help prevent a similar incident to the Quecreek inundation where the mine operator had an inaccurate map of a nearby, abandoned underground mine.
"Missing or inaccurate mine maps, along with undetectable mine voids, presents a significant threat to the safety of working miners in America today. Fortunately, we now have a solid foundation for generating a solution to this problem," Lauriski said.
MSHA distributed video public service announcements in August 2003 requesting copies of old mine maps from residents in mining areas. For additional information on submitting an old mine map, which an agency official will pick up, copy, and return, phone MSHA at 1-888-753-9427.
