Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced new funding to construct a coal cleaning plant accessible by a new rail line in Shade Township, Somerset County.

“I am pleased to announce this funding, which will help keep Pennsylvania miners working and Pennsylvania mines producing the high-quality, low-emitting metallurgical coal that helped build America’s cities and continues to fuel advanced manufacturing both here and around the world,” said Gov. Wolf.

LCT Energy was awarded a $2 million grant to build the plant, which will process 400 tons of locally sourced coal per hour, as well as 3.5 miles of railway to service the facility. The facility will specialize in processing metallurgical-grade coal that will be shipped to overseas markets.

In addition to jobs running the plant, the facility is also expected to spur job creation at southwest Pennsylvania mines.

The new 3.5-mile rail line will link to existing track and will be maintained by LCT Energy.

Every 200 rail trips will eliminate 91,000 truck trips, preventing wear and tear on road infrastructure, minimizing additional traffic congestion, and decreasing hauling costs.

Supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) program, funding will support critical expansion projects, some of which will provide opportunities for additional economic development.

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[Posted: August 9, 2018]

8/13/2018