For 130 years now, we’ve been told over and over again that coal is good for Kentucky, but the numbers tell a different story. More than 7.8 billion tons of coal have been mined here in that time. But despite the extraction of vast mineral wealth from our land, Kentucky continues its uphill struggle to provide a decent living, a good education, and a clean environment for its people. And the counties of the eastern coalfields, with the richest natural resources of all, remain among the poorest in the entire state.
                -Kristin Johannsen, From “Dirty Money” - Missing Mountains

KFTC’s “Canary Project” is a comprehensive effort to create fundamental change in the coalfields of eastern Kentucky. Today, even legally mined coal is not being mined safely or responsibly. We believe we can and must stop the destruction, mine coal safely and responsibly, and then as we phase out our dependence on coal we phase in a new sustainable economy. We believe that a better future – beyond coal – is possible for the Kentucky coalfields.  We have much to be proud of and to build on including skilled workers, resilient communities, natural beauty and resources, and a rich culture.  But we must be smart to create a just and prosperous future. We can have good jobs and a strong economy if we invest in local people, create excellent schools, and demand a real democracy.  Read more about KFTC’s position on coal.

The “High Road Initiative” is a direct outgrowth of KFTC’s twenty-five years of work in the coalfields and the Canary Project.  Its “Vision”, “Mission”, “Principles” and “Goals” are a reflection of the hopes and desires of KFTC members living in the “coal economy”.

The Canary Project is not just about stopping all of these bad things that are happening but also to keep, create or recreate the communities that we love.  Developing the ways to do that, such as the “High Road Initiative”, is essential to the success of the project

                -Doug Doerrfeld, Elliot County