Hopkins Co. Coal Severance Going Down

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Hopkins County officials are bracing for a drop in coal severance tax funds following a slowdown in coal production over the next 18 months.

State officials are reporting a 26 percent drop in coal severance for the 2012-13 fiscal year, which began July 1. That could leave Hopkins County with $1 million less than the $4.05 million officials projected from 2012-2014.

Judge-Executive Donnie Carroll tells The Madisonville Messenger local projects will receive funding according to their priority level.

Severance funds are based on a formula tied to coal production in each Kentucky county. The money helps counties with infrastructure and economic development projects to prepare communities for when their coal reserves are exhausted.