Rebuilding For The Future
Coal mining has been a critical, but highly cyclical, source of economic activity in the region for over 200 years. However, with new climate change initiatives and alternative clean energy sources, coal’s decline may be more permanent. Thus, a critical need exists to revitalize these coal county economies with innovative and sustainable new industries.
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Kentucky coal production peaked in the early 1990s but coal mine employment peaked in the 1950s with the correlation break due to technological advances and surface mine projects requiring fewer workers. Coal mining production levels in Western Kentucky have remained relatively stable over the past 20 years, however, coal mining production levels in Eastern Kentucky have experienced a severe decline.
Martin County
Located in the easternmost area of the Eastern Kentucky – is one of the hardest hit coal counties due to its high concentration of coal jobs that have significantly declined over the past decade. The population in Martin County has decreased 19% since 1980, and given the decline of the coal mining industry, remaining workers are left with less wealth and opportunity relative to other Kentucky residents.
The Solution
Apple AgriTech. Eastern Kentucky is well-positioned given its climate, natural resources and experienced work force to revitalize and shift its industrial engine from declining coal mining to innovative and growing agritech.
The area’s primary pre-coal mining industry was timbering given the soil quality with good water-holding “field capacity” to retain moisture. In addition to coal mining, Eastern Kentucky is known for its forested mountains which covered most of the landscape in pre-mining periods.
