Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Governor Fletcher announces refund of mine permit fees

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2006) - Fiscal courts in 36 Kentucky counties will receive refunds from mining permit and acreage fees, Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today. The Department for Natural Resources collects the fees and returns one-third to coal producing counties.

The funds can be used for general purposes to be determined by each county fiscal court.

"These refunds represent another benefit to Kentucky counties from our coal industry,"
said Governor Fletcher. "Our coal industry continues to provide jobs for thousands of our citizens, low-cost energy for all of Kentucky and direct financial benefits to local governments."

The funds are generated from permit fees for surface mining operations in the state.

Refunds range from $125 to $155,445.92, with nine counties each receiving more than $24,000.