Location |
West Virginia |
Project Sponsor / Borrower |
West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) King Coal Highway Authority |
Program Areas |
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Mode |
Highway |
Description |
The King Coal Highway is a new four-lane highway approximately 90 miles long running through McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wyoming, and Wayne counties along or near currently existing US Route 52. Some of the construction work is being done by local mining companies as they extract coal from the surrounding areas near and along the new highway alignment. Regulatory agencies are more willing to allow permits for coal removal if there is a constructive use for the excess material that occurs as a by-product of the removal process. The coal companies participating in this partnership have provided input in determining the alignment of the highway to ensure that it provides good access to coal-rich areas. While environmental approvals have been obtained for the entire King Coal corridor, the project has been divided into 11 usable and operationally independent sections. They will be built in a planned and phased sequence. The first phase of the project - known as the "Red Jacket" section - is 8 miles in length and is being constructed at a public cost of approximately $110 million. The Alpha Corporation, a Virginia based coal company, is removing coal and constructing the highway foundation. The coal companies have contributed rights-of-way and a large portion of the construction activities themselves. It is estimated that this arrangement has resulted in a 50 percent cost savings. The Red Jacket section forms a portion of the first usable section of the King Coal corridor. The project is a partnership among WVDOT, private enterprise, a local redevelopment authority, and FHWA. |
Cost |
$1.5 - $2.3 billion (entire 90-mile facility) $110 million (Red Jacket section) |
Funding Sources |
West Virginia Division of Highways - $110 million Other sections are currently being considered that may have even more favorable public-private cost-sharing arrangements. |
Project Delivery / Contract Method |
Special negotiated agreement |
Private Partner |
Design-builder: The Alpha Corporation Equity contributor: Private coal companies |
Project Advisors / Consultants |
N/A |
Lenders |
Not applicable |
Duration / Status |
Red Jacket section under construction. Other sections in various stages of planning, design or construction. |
Financial Status |
Red Jacket section funded. Other sections seeking funding arrangements. |
Duration / Status |
Red Jacket section under construction. Other sections in various stages of planning, design or construction. |
Innovations |
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Related Links / Articles |
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Contacts |
Tom Smith |