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Peabody Conservancy Group today announced a proposal aimed at transforming the site of a reclaimed coal mine into Tygart River Adventures, an 800-acre riverside recreation park and conference center.

Tygart River Adventures would offer a host of outdoor activities ranging from rafting and horseback riding to camping and hiking. The existing mine facilities would be refurbished to include hotel accommodations, meeting rooms, exercise facilities, basketball courts, a gift shop and outdoor swimming pool.

Developing the area's economic and recreation climate is the vision behind the effort, which is contingent upon the Marion County's $7.15 million grant proposal that has been filed with the state. The plan calls for Peabody Conservancy Group to donate the property from the former Martinka Coal Mine to Marion County, which would purchase the existing facilities from Peabody. The park would be developed with grant funds. The application calls for the project to begin no later than January 2003 with completion by June 2004.

"Our gift will be enjoyed by West Virginians for generations to come and illustrates our commitment to create lasting, valuable resources," said Kenny Allen, Peabody's vice president of resource development and conservancy. "We are proud to contribute to a project that will enhance the area's recreational climate and applaud Governor Wise for facilitating community development."

Peabody Energy is the world's largest coal company, with 2001 sales of 194 million tons of coal and $2.7 billion in revenues. Its coal products fuel more than 9 percent of all U.S. electricity generation and more than 2 percent of worldwide electricity generation.

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SOURCE: Peabody Energy