The Department of the Interior has opened more than $119 million in fiscal year (FY) 2025 grants to fund abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation. Eligible states and tribes can now apply to secure funding for projects that eliminate hazards left by legacy coal mining and prepare sites for redevelopment.
The funds come from reclamation fees paid by coal producers and is distributed under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. This year’s allocation was finalized on June 4. A 5.7% sequestration adjustment brings the total available to $112.9 million.
Applications are open now and there is no national deadline. States and tribes submit project proposals as soon as their AML plans are approved. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis as each project package clears federal review.
To qualify, projects must address coal-related damage that occurred before 1977. That includes mine subsidence, exposed portals and shafts, acid mine drainage and unstable land or water systems. Emergency projects may also qualify if there’s an imminent threat to public health or safety.
Eligible uses include sealing dangerous openings, restoring drinking water infrastructure, rebuilding eroded terrain, stabilizing landslide zones and converting damaged sites for clean energy, recreation or other public use. States are encouraged to hire displaced coal workers or partner with a labor union to maximize workforce benefits.
FY 2025 funding is available to 24 states and two tribal programs. Direct state-share recipients include Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. States with certified AML programs—like Montana, Texas, Wyoming and the Navajo Nation—receive separate in-lieu funds. Low-production states such as Arkansas, Alaska and Maryland are also receiving minimum program make-up funding to ensure a $3 million baseline.
AML grants are a long-standing federal investment in public safety and economic transition. Since 1977, over $8.6 billion has been distributed for mine land cleanup. With more than $2.9 billion still in reserve, and mandatory funding extended through 2036, states and tribes have timeto act.
Full details, funding tables and application instructions are available at the Department of Interior’s website.
Image by Pablo Valerio from Pixabay
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