On May 26, the Department of Environmental Protection announced funding for 16 environmental restoration projects on abandoned mine lands, totaling $7.8 million dollars from the Federal AML/AMD Grant Program.

These projects, which are being funded as a result of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, primarily focus on the reclamation of abandoned mine land, abatement of acid mine drainage through reclamation, and/or treatment of AMD through the construction, operation, and/or maintenance of an AMD treatment facility.

Grants were awarded for projects in Allegheny, Cambria, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Fayette, McKean, Schuylkill, Somerset, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Click Here for the complete list of projects funded.

Applicants can apply for the next round of these grants by August 25.

“Restoring these minelands and streams is a critical part to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and growing our economy. Every penny we invest into projects like these results in a better Pennsylvania for all of us,” said Acting DEP Secretary Rich Negrin. “These newly approved projects are just the first of many that are now possible as a result of the new IIJA funding, and we are going to continue to put these dollars to work in Pennsylvania.”

The new AML/AMD Grant Program that began in the fall of 2022 will continue with three more application rounds in 2023.

A total of at least $96 million total for the year is available under the 2023 AML/AMD Grant Program, with at least $32 million available to award in each of the three grant program rounds.

In addition, any unused funds from the previous grant program round for the year will roll over to the next program round.

The AML/AMD Grant program prioritizes:

-- Reclamation of serious human health and safety problems resulting from abandoned coal mines.

-- Reclamation or AMD treatment that will continue restoration efforts that were identified or begun under the AMD Set-a-side Program.

-- The operation and maintenance needs and/or upgrades of existing AMD treatment systems where the failure to do so will result in loss of restored stream miles.

-- Significant measurable water quality improvements that will contribute towards watershed restoration.

In his budget address, Governor Shapiro made clear he rejects the false choice between protecting jobs and protecting our planet. He believes we can do both – we can embrace the Commonwealth’s role as an energy leader, create good- paying jobs, and fulfill our constitutional obligation to protect Pennsylvania’s clean air and pure water.

This announcement builds on the Governor’s commitment to do both.

Visit DEP’s Federal AML/AMD Grant Program webpage for more information on this program and how to apply.

(Photo: Little Conemaugh River before and after mine drainage treatment. Video: A River Reborn.)

[Note: An additional five projects from the 2022 Round of the AML/AMD Grant Program have been recommended for funding from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program but cannot yet be announced due to additional vetting required by the Federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (AMLER).]

Related Grant Application Deadlines

-- May 31: Reminder CFA Accepting Applications For Act 13 Watershed Restoration, Mine Reclamation, Sewage, Flood Mitigation, Recreation Grants Due May 31

-- June 23: Reminder: Deadline To Apply For DEP Growing Greener Plus, Section 319, SMCRA Mine Reclamation, Pipeline Penalty Projects, Stormwater Planning, Watershed Restoration Grants June 23  [PaEN]

-- August 25: Reminder: Next Deadline Aug. 25 For DEP Local Federally-Funded Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants

Related Article:

-- Choose Clean Water Coalition Recognizes 2023 Clean Water Champions  [PaEN]

[Posted: May 26, 2023]

5/29/2023