The Department of the Interior has announced a $130 million funding initiative for fiscal year 2025 through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program. This program aims to transform legacy coal mining sites into sources of economic growth.
The funds will be directed towards job creation, infrastructure development, and energy opportunities in areas historically associated with coal production. States and tribes will select projects that align with local needs and are expected to yield significant economic benefits.
"Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Burgum, these investments are transforming abandoned mine lands into hubs of economic opportunity, job creation and local innovation," stated Acting Assistant Secretary of Lands and Mineral Management Adam Suess. "We’re proud to support state and tribal partners in putting these lands back to work for the American people."
For fiscal year 2025, the funding distribution is as follows: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia will each receive $28.67 million; Alabama, Ohio, and Virginia will each receive $11 million; while the Crow Tribe, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Nation will each receive $3.67 million.
Eligible states and tribes are working with community and economic development partners to identify projects that have high potential impacts. These projects may include energy infrastructure development, manufacturing initiatives, recreational facilities, or commercial redevelopment.
The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program supports the Trump administration’s goals of achieving American Energy Dominance while revitalizing rural economies. The program addresses hazardous mining features like unstable highwalls and polluted waterways while unlocking new economic potentials.
Further information about the program's implementation for fiscal year 2025 can be found on OSMRE’s Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program webpage.
