1/2/2003

Building Commission says hands tied over coal statue

By LAWRENCE MESSINA
Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- The Capitol Building Commission says it does not have authority to change an uncompleted coal memorial on the Capitol grounds that has prompted objections from environmental groups and coalfield residents.

The commission can only carry out the will of the Legislature, which authorized the memorial in 1999, Chairwoman Nancy Herholdt told those who spoke at its meeting Thursday.

"The commission was asked to locate it and approve the aesthetics. We completed our task to that effect,'' Herholdt said. "At this time, we don't have the authority to do some of the things that you are asking for.''

Opponents told commission members that they welcome a statue honoring the state's coal miners. They object to two of six plaques on the memorial's base.

One would refer to coal as a low-cost energy source. The other, already installed, depicts elements of mountaintop removal mining.

Freda Williams, the daughter and granddaughter of coal miners from the Whitesville area, called the current design "an insult.''

"I will have to avoid it. It is offensive,'' she said. "I want something that I can lay flowers at for my grandfathers.''

Bill Price of Coal River Mountain Watch said the West Virginia Coal Association, which represents coal operators, warped the Legislature's intent. He said it sneaked pro-industry elements in during the design phase. The public was never asked to comment, he alleged.

"They kept it secret until the last minute,'' Price said. "We want to see this rectified.''

Chris Hamilton, vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association, also spoke at the meeting. His group helped oversee the memorial's design. He said the planning received wide input and publicity. Sketches of the plaques were unveiled at a May 2000 press conference by then-Gov. Cecil Underwood.

"We're very proud of it,'' Hamilton said.

Hamilton also said that the installed plaque does not depict mountaintop removal mining.

"There are no mountains,'' he said of the image.

Hamilton said it instead depicts surface mining generally.

"Surface mining has been a part of our state's mining industry,'' He said. "It's been a part of our industry that's contributed millions and millions and millions of dollars to our tax base.''

After the hourlong meeting, Herholdt said commission members were better informed about the memorial.

"It's true that we didn't see the details. When we approved the essence of it, we really didn't question it,'' she said. "The Legislature had stated its intent.''

Two of the plaques and the 7 1/2-foot bronze statue of an underground miner have yet to be placed on the memorial, which is on the west side of the Capitol near the war memorial. The other installed plaques depict pick and shovel mining, a continuous miner and longwall mining. A dedication date has not been announced.