Sen. Argall, Rep. Goodman Announce Abandoned Mine Improvements for Reilly Township, Schuylkill County

HARRISBURG – State Senator David G. Argall (R-29) and Representative Neal Goodman (D-123) today announced a state contract that will improve the health and safety of Reilly Township residents.

According to both legislators, a $464,000 state contract has been awarded to Brdaric Excavating by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to clear and backfill, as well as seed the Blackwood Shaft, located in the Township.

The Blackwood Shaft is a component of the Blackwood Colliery which was mined extensively in the early 1900’s. Last year, a design to completely backfill the Blackwood Shaft was completed. The project entails the drilling of two angular boreholes to intersect the shaft below each of the blockages. A prepared material will then be injected through the boreholes to backfill the shaft up to and between the blockages.

"Without financial assistance and partnership from the Commonwealth, these abandoned mine improvement projects would not be possible," Argall explained. This funding is critical for helping protect and improve the health and safety of Reilly Township residents," Argall added.

"I have worked closely with the Reilly Township supervisors and the department for quite some time to help secure this funding," said Goodman. "I am happy to see the money has finally come through."

CONTACT:

Nick Troutman, (717) 787-2637 (Argall)
Bob Laylo, (717) 787-7895 (Goodman)