Plan Aims To Bolster Struggling Alabama Coal Industry

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – A research institute is developing a strategic plan aimed at spurring employment and new business activity in 19 Alabama counties hard-hit by the decline of the coal industry.
ALABAMA COAL
Southern Research will use a $60,202 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for the work, the Birmingham-based institute announced Tuesday.

Southern Research said in a statement that the downturn in the nation’s coal industry has rippled through parts of northwest and central Alabama, resulting in the loss of thousands of the jobs.

The research institute said that hard-hit areas include Jefferson, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties, which have been Alabama’s chief coal-producing counties.

Southern Research said it is partnering on the project with the University of Alabama at Birmingham to will explore ways that new jobs can be created in Alabama’s coal region.

Categories: State News

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