Coal’s Dying Light: With federal dollars, Ky. coal communities could lead energy transition

Coal communities across the country are struggling to adapt as the nation transitions away from the dirtiest fossil fuel. Now, a historic amount of federal funding is available to help diversify their economies and aid in the transition to a low carbon future as long as the money can get in local hands.
Like many towns across Appalachia, coal left Jenkins behind a long time ago.

Mayor Todd DePriest calls it “the city built on coal.” Mines literally ran underneath and all around it, but the last coal company to mine nearby closed in 1988.

“Coal’s still on everybody’s mind,” he said. “I guess people let go a little different than others.”

The coal taxes that once helped fund city services have dwindled. The population is a fraction of what it was. Then, last July, historic flooding destroyed about 100 homes in the community and killed dozens of people across the region. A year later, DePriest is still working to get residents back in their homes.

“I have to brag on the people of Jenkins. They’ve had real patience,” he said. “I know that is going to run out, and I'm hoping they see some real progress with what we’ve been working on.”