On November 1, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it is now accepting proposals for mine reclamation projects focused on economic development or community revitalization in abandoned mine land areas under the Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program.

Applications are due January 31.

Federally funded through DEP’s Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Economic Development Pilot Program, $25 million in grant funding is available for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in conjunction with economic and community development reuse goals.

Since 2016, 42 projects have received a total of $80 million in funding through this program. Last year, DEP approved $25 million in funding for seven projects.

“The funding provides opportunities to transform abandoned mine lands, creating economic opportunity, and transitioning our coal communities to a new and brighter future,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “I strongly encourage anyone planning a project that includes developing or revitalizing abandoned mine land to consider applying for this program.”

DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation can assist in determining eligible sites.

Land Reclamation

To discuss a particular project involving land reclamation or to get assistance determining a project’s eligibility, contact--

-- Western PA - Bituminous Region: Patrick Webb for projects located in western Pennsylvania (Bituminous Region) at pawebb@pa.gov,  814-472-1830; or

-- Eastern PA - Anthracite Region: Bernie Walko for projects located in eastern Pennsylvania (Anthracite Region) at bwalko@pa.gov,  570-830-3178.

Abandoned Mine Drainage

To discuss a particular project involving abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement, contact--

-- Western PA - Bituminous Region: contact Dave Leiford at dleiford@pa.gov, 814-472-1886; or

-- Eastern PA - Anthracite Region: Todd Wood at twood@pa.gov,  570-830-3171.

For all the details, visit DEP's Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program webpage.

(Photo: Ehrenfeld reclamation site, Cambria County.)

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[Posted: November 1, 2019]

11/4/2019