Interview with James E. Scott, September 18, 2006

Interview Summary

Scott describes his personal history and experience in McRoberts, Kentucky, a small community within Letcher County. He describes the history of the area and the influence of coal companies, as well as how the area has changed since the decline of many of these companies. He describes the level of control each of these companies had and how they would deal with solid waste and wastewater issues. Scott describes the current efforts in McRoberts in regard to environmental issues and their work with PRIDE to clean up roadside litter. He describes the way the community is trying to improve by expanding their community center and creating new programs to help the youth of the area. Scott discusses how McRoberts has been involved with PRIDE and how he would like to expand that involvement. He describes how his community was unaware of the different kinds of PRIDE grants, which is why they have only been working with PRIDE on litter cleanup. He discusses the issues surrounding unincorporated communities being involved with PRIDE and the politics of working through the larger county. He and Johnson also discuss Letcher County politics in detail, including Scott's campaign to be a county magistrate that was active during the time of the interview.

Interview Keyword

McRoberts (Ky.) Coal companies Coal mining Small towns Coal communities Coal towns Community centers History Historical societies Environmental cleanups Litter (Trash) Illegal dumps Illegal dumping Volunteers Septic tanks Septic systems Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment (PRIDE)

Interview LC Subject

Letcher County (Ky.) Community centers. Coal mines and mining. Roadside litter Politics, Practical.

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.