MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Construction has started on new coal mining facility in Meigs County Ohio that will create 200 jobs.

According to a press release, Gatling Ohio expects the mine to be operational in early 2009. The project is located near Racine in southern Meigs County.

Meigs County Commissioner Mick Davenport says the “mine opening provides a lot of good jobs for the community and in talking with Gatling, they've said they want to use local businesses and companies as much as possible which will have an even greater impact on our economy.”

An Ohio State University economic impact study determined that the project would contribute $58 million in new revenue to the area on an annual basis.

The company has a similar mining operation in Mason County, West Virginia.