Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation (AMLR)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The objectives of the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program are defined in the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) is the protection of public health, safety, and property from extreme danger of adverse effects of coal mining practices; the restoration of land and water resources and the environment that have been degraded by the adverse effects of coal mining practices, the protection of public health and safety from adverse effects of coal mining practices, the restoration of land and water resources and the environment that have been degraded by the adverse effects of coal mining practices and emergency restoration, reclamation, abatement, control, or prevention of adverse effects of coal mining practices, on eligible lands.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
The AML program is restricted to States with an approved coal mining regulatory program, lands eligible for reclamation, and active coal mining operations within their borders that are paying coal reclamation fees into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and to federally recognized Tribes with eligible lands, and active mining operations paying fees into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.
Beneficiaries
- U.S. State Government
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
State, Local Citizens and the general public are protected from physical hazards and benefit from the reclamation of abandoned mine lands and polluted waters by reducing exposure to safety and health risks.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
The regional office must act upon a grant application within 60 days of submittal of a complete application (An exception is for certified States that submit AML grant applications in which OSMRE must complete its review within 30 days). All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated notice of funding opportunity. All timely submitted and qualified proposals are reviewed by an OSMRE selection panel. Applications will be rated based on established criteria used to evaluate merit as outlined in Notice of Funding Opportunity. The OSMRE Field Directors or his/her designee approves and awards cooperative agreements for this program. If the application is not approved, the regional office must provide the reasons for disapproval in writing.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
Program details & compliance
Description
AML Grants are awarded to eligible coal-producing States and Tribes to support the operation of an approved State or Tribal AML reclamation program. Approved programs use grant funds for the restoration of eligible lands and waters mined and abandoned or left inadequately restored. Most of the lands and water eligible for reclamation under this authority are those which were mined or affected by mining and abandoned or left in an inadequate reclamation status prior to August 3, 1977, and for which there is no continuing reclamation responsibility under State or other Federal laws. A limited number of legacy sites mined after August 3, 1977, and abandoned before November 5, 1990, for which the surety bonds responsible for the reclamation of the site became insolvent.
Mission Categories
Primary: Water Pollution Control
Other categories:
Air Pollution ControlMineralsCommunity Water Supply
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Environment (water, air, solid waste, pesticides, radiation), Natural Resources (mineral, water, wildlife, land). The regional office must act upon a grant application within 60 days of submittal of a complete application (An exception is for certified States that submit AML grant applications in which OSMRE must complete its review within 30 days). All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the notice of funding opportunity, program regulations and statutes. All timely submitted and qualified proposals are reviewed by an OSMRE program and financial assistance official. The OSMRE Field Directors or designee approves and awards cooperative agreements for this program. If the application is not approved, the regional office will provide the reasons for disapproval in writing. All approved grants will be awarded using GrantSolutions and recipient payments will be made using the Automated Standard Applications for Payments (ASAP) system.
Restrictions
AML: Restrictions can be referenced in the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Public Law 95-87, as amended, 91 Stat. 445-532, and Public Law 116-6 and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260).
Required Documentation
The Secretary of the Interior must approve a State or Tribal reclamation plan. AML grants must be approved by an authorized official of the appropriate OSMRE regional or field office. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to the programs funded under this listing.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
870.14 Determination of percentage-based fees.
(a) If you pay a fee based on a percentage of the value of coal, you must include documentation supporting the claimed coal value with your fee payment and production report. We may review this information and any additional documentation we may require, including examination of your books and records. We may accept the valuation you claim, or we may determine another value of the coal.
(b) If we determine that a higher fee must be paid, you must pay the additional fee together with interest computed under § 870.21.