MINE-INSPECTION PROGRAM WON'T BE ELIMINATED

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 23, 1992                   TAG: 9201230129
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALELY 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short
MINE-INSPECTION PROGRAM WON'T BE ELIMINATED
The Wilder administration said Wednesday it has withdrawn a proposal to eliminate Virginia's mine inspection and enforcement program, but worries in the coalfields about funding the service remain.
"We don't know what the outcome is going to be on this yet," said Mike Abbott, spokesman for the state Division of Mines, Minerals and Energy in Big Stone Gap.
A delegation of Southwest Virginia legislators and the United Mine Workers of America fought the proposal to shift all mine inspection to the federal government, saying it threatened the lives of coal miners.
Larry Framme, secretary of economic development, said the administration is looking for ways to restore the $1.2 million taken from the program in the two-year budget being considered by the General Assembly.
"Safety is the paramount issue," Framme said.
The plan called for eliminating 10 full-time positions with the state Division of Mines, Minerals and Energy.
The cuts were included in Gov. Douglas Wilder's budget to help close a $567 million gap in the $28 billion, two-year spending plan. The proposal was offered by the mining agency as part of a state-mandated contingency plan for 6 percent to 9 percent cuts in state agencies.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB