The $1.2 million in funding to pay for the teams would come from West Virginia’s coal severance tax, a decision now ultimately in the hands of state Governor Joe Manchin, Associated Press reported.

Manchin spokesperson Lara Ramsburg told the news service it will review the proposal and determine if it “fits with broader plans” for mine safety projects under development. “We are reviewing the work of the board,” Ramsburg said.

“That’s certainly a top priority – and it’s something that has been, and this just adds another level to it,” she added.

The state currently has 36 mine rescue teams, according to Mine Safety and Health Administration records, and the group already has 15 members split up into two teams. Making up the additional teams would be inspectors and other members of the state’s Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training, led by Jim Dean.

WVOMHST spokesperson Caryn Greshem told the news service the agency was confident, as the intent is to increase the available mine rescue teams throughout the state.

If the proposal does indeed succeed, the teams of six members each would be placed in northern and southern West Virginia and be given equipment including gas detectors, mapping programs and communications equipment.

The proposal will move forward now to be discussed in a public forum on June 6.

The state’s coal severance, which is adjustable but most typically remains 5% of the sale price for mined coal, resulted in a total of $270 million in revenue in 2005 – a 25% jump over the prior year.

West Virginia Coal Association senior vice-president Chris Hamilton said earlier this month that the creation of the two teams was necessary to ensure someone was always at the ready.

“Given holidays [and other conflicts], these mine rescue team members are not always in a state of readiness to immediately respond to a situation. I think having more teams available is what's important,” he said.