3/29/2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin has extended to the Chinese government, by way of the U.S. State Department, an offer of West Virginia’s expertise and services to rescue more than 150 miners trapped in the Wangjialing coal mine in Shanxi province, China.
Jim Spears, Gov. Manchin’s Chief of Staff, today spoke with Zhang Ping, minister counselor for congressional affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the United States, to extend the offer.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the trapped miners and their families,” Manchin said. “West Virginians know how difficult this situation is, and we want to offer our assistance where possible to help get these miners out.”
Spears said state mine rescue specialists could quickly provide their expertise in the form of a “virtual incident command post” from West Virginia via telephone and Internet connections. He said the Chinese Embassy in Washington is maintaining contact with the Governor’s Office, should such services be needed.
Contact Information
Jama Jarrett or Melvin Smith
304-558-2000