WASHINGTON — The proposed elimination of an abandoned mine initiative is concerning, according to U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., in a teleconference with reporters last week.
Jenkins spoke to federal officials during House Appropriations subcommittee meetings about the impact next fiscal year’s budget could have in West Virginia, as well as making sure facilities are fully utilized and running.
One of the officials Jenkins questioned was Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who previously served in the House of Representatives with Jenkins representing Montana’s at-large district.
The department’s $11.7 billion budget would save taxpayers $1.7 billion, but several initiatives would be cut. Funding for the Abandoned Mined Lands Economic Development Grants pilot program would be eliminated, saving the department $89.8 million.
Jenkins said the project helps turn abandoned locations into “job-creating economically viable properties.”
Six projects have been launched in West Virginia, totaling around $30 million. The remaining $60 million was put toward work in Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
“As a member of the committee, along with (Appropriations Committee) Chairman (Hal) Rogers’ support, we are going to do our darndest to make sure this program is funded and continues,” he said.
Another topic Jenkins asked Zinke on Thursday was the National Fish Hatchery in White Sulphur Springs.
“We have over nine million adult rainbow trout that were destroyed in the June floods of 2016,” Jenkins said. “There are 26 state and federal hatcheries that are fed with the eggs that come from White Sulphur Springs.”
He questioned Zinke about the possibility of receiving $200,000 in additional funding for the facility, adding he has worked with other federal agencies on funding work.
“They (the hatchery) are obviously up and running,” he said.
National Science Foundation Director Dr. France Cordova also answered questions from Jenkins last week about the future of the Green Bank Observatory during a separate hearing.
Cordova said she was taking a personal interest in creating partnerships for utilizing the Green Bank facility. She also said the national security community has taken interest in using the site.
Jenkins said an environmental report on the site should be published in the fall.