CWLP keeps its coal provdier, and Logan County keeps 300 jobs.
The county board voted in favor of rezoning 300 acres of land south and east of Elkhart so Viper Mine can begin a new impoundment area. The original impoundment, built 32 years ago, is nearing its capacity and will be fully utilized in three years.
The re-zoning proposal had met with resistance from environmental groups and the village of Elkhart but had the backing of the state Department of Natural Resources, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and former state Sen. Larry Bomke (R-Springfield).
The mine employs just over 300 people from Logan, Menard, Sangamon, and surrounding counties.