The Mingo County Transportation Park ribbon cutting ceremony was held yesterday at 11 a.m., with West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin and Congressman Nick J. Rahall as the keynote speakers.

Local and state officials turned out for the event on top of Mystery Mountain to support the post-mining land use project. The land was donated to the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority by Alpha Natural Resources and should be ready for traffic by next year, officials say.

Several were commended for making the transportation park possible.

"I would like to thank Mike Whitt (Redevelopment Authority Executive director) for allowing me to be part of this ceremony," stated Gov. Manchin. "Mingo County does it better than anyone else and I try to send as many opportunities here as possible."

The new Air Transportation Park will create more jobs and generate revenue to help support the state, stated Manchin.

"This will open up Mingo County to the rest of the world and is the perfect example of the private and public sector working together," said Manchin.

"Look at what coal has done," said Manchin. "You should be proud of who we are and how we got here."

Congressman Rahall also commended the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, stating, "Mike Whitt commits to a vision."

"We may be on Mystery Mountain, but there is no mystery here today," Rahall stated. "Today is a real accomplishment."

Rahall described the park as an extraordinary opportunity for Mingo County and the state. This will be an asset that will allow the state to effectively sustain long-term," explained Rahall.

"Coal is the most valuable natural resource," Rahall commended the coal industry. "It keeps the lights on in West Virginia."

The airport was named as one of many projects in Mingo County using post-mine site land. Other projects including Twisted Gun Golf Course and the Coal to Liquids plant were also recognized, as well as, the King Coal Highway and the new Mingo County school.

Mike Whitt was pleased with the event and said that it could not have went better. Whitt referred to the Air Transportation Park as a miracle which Mingo County has been blessed with, "I appreciate Rahall and all of the other elected officials."

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity which will support and enhance opportunities."