ASHLEY -- Coal mining was once the foundation that built many communities in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, but when some mines closed, it left some of those areas depressed.

Now some lawmakers are proposing to help stimulate the once thriving communities.

There are reminders of the Wyoming Valley's coal mining past like the smokestack and coal car at the former Huber Breaker in Ashley.

"Everyone was making money. The breaker employed about 1700 people," said Ray Clarke of Ashley.

Clarke grew up in Ashley. His father worked in the coal mine and he even delivered coal. He saw the coal community at its best, and at its worst when the mine closed down in 1976.

"It was difficult for people. I know a lot of people had to leave town," Clarke said.

It left areas like Ashley still struggling decades later. It's something some federal lawmakers are now trying to change.

"We're in the business to coming up with a solution to help economically depressed former coal communities, like most of northeastern Pennsylvania," said Congressman Matt Cartwright, (D) 17th District.

Cartwright is getting ready make a proposal that would change an outdated federal royalty rate current coal companies have been paying the government for 40 years.

"They are basically underpaying what their lease payments should be. We fix that and we are going to have a lot of revenue," Cartwright said.

A meeting was held near Pittston with local community and business leaders to discuss ideas for how this potential new money could be used.

Part of Congressman Cartwright's plan is to increase coal company royalty rates to a fair market value to help former coal communities.

"As much as half a billion dollars a year could come in through this proposal," Cartwright said.

The potential legislation is still in its early stages. Congressman Cartwright is gathering information to draw up a bill.