Vincennes University is building Indiana's first underground coal mine simulation for safety training.
In the heart of coal mining territory, Vincennes University President Chuck Johnson says Gibson County is where the school focuses on mining training. It's required for miners to keep up with safety programs on a regular basis and the new center will give them enhanced options.
"This was an opportunity to really focus on different safety training for underground rescue training as well as other applications for other programs that VU offers," Johnson says. "It would be great value for those programs as well."
The main focus will be on underground rescue environments in confined spaces. The program can even apply to fire and rescue operations or hostage situation training.
The main source of funding of $2 million comes from state appropriated money. Johnson says the university will cover the rest of the cost which is expected to be about $74,000.
The construction for the center is expected to take about seven months.