Massey Energy Calls Byrd Criticism A Surprise

TIM HUBER

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Coal producer Massey Energy Co. said Thursday it was surprised when U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd criticized the company for its opposition to donating money to help relocate a Raleigh County school.

The West Virginia Democrat spoke out without asking Massey about Marsh Fork Elementary, the company said. Byrd called Massey arrogant and greedy.

West Virginia's other senator, Jay Rockefeller and Democratic Congressman Nick Rahall, whose southern West Virginia district includes Raleigh County, have since sided with Byrd, while Gov. Joe Manchin has stayed out of the fray.

"Massey Energy should take this significant step of helping to replace the Marsh Fork Elementary School," Rahall said in a statement Thursday. "It would go a long way toward improving the good will of the public toward that company and the coal industry."

Rockefeller said in a statement Massey should pitch in to eliminate hazards that weigh heavily on the parents of pupils. "It is right to expect the company to help pay for the solution."

Manchin spokesman Matt Turner said state government is willing to help if asked. "The School Building Authority will consider that request and it would go through the process that is outlined in state law," Turner said.