Growing Greener Plus Surface Mining Conservation & Reclamation Act Grant Bond Forfeiture
Can you apply?
This grant is for Pennsylvania municipalities, municipal authorities, and nonprofit organizations working to reclaim abandoned coal mine sites.
Eligible organizations must be incorporated nonprofits or official municipal bodies in Pennsylvania. Projects must address "ABS Legacy Sites" as defined in state regulations. The goal is to restore mining-damaged land through bond forfeiture funding.
Only projects meeting the specific site definition qualify. Applicants should verify site eligibility with the Pennsylvania DEP before applying.
This grant is for Pennsylvania municipalities, municipal authorities, and nonprofit organizations working to reclaim abandoned coal mine sites.
Eligible organizations must be incorporated nonprofits or official municipal bodies in Pennsylvania. Projects must address "ABS Legacy Sites" as defined in state regulations. The goal is to restore mining-damaged land through bond forfeiture funding.
Only projects meeting the specific site definition qualify. Applicants should verify site eligibility with the Pennsylvania DEP before applying.
Program description
Section 18(j) of the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act allows the Department of Environmental Protection to award grants to municipalities, municipal authorities and appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations from the SMCRA Fund. This includes SMCRA bond forfeiture grants. Projects eligible for grants under this grant program are limited to the sites that fit the definition of “ABS Legacy Sites” in 25 Pa Code §86.1.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public K-12 School
Details
This grant is for Pennsylvania municipalities, municipal authorities, and nonprofit organizations working to reclaim abandoned coal mine sites.
Eligible organizations must be incorporated nonprofits or official municipal bodies in Pennsylvania. Projects must address "ABS Legacy Sites" as defined in state regulations. The goal is to restore mining-damaged land through bond forfeiture funding.
Only projects meeting the specific site definition qualify. Applicants should verify site eligibility with the Pennsylvania DEP before applying.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Site documentation proving ABS Legacy Site status
- Project narrative and reclamation plan
- Budget and cost estimates
- Proof of nonprofit incorporation or municipal authority status
- Site assessment or environmental evaluation
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Municipalities, municipal authorities, and incorporated nonprofits in Pennsylvania. Your organization must be officially incorporated to qualify.
What types of projects are eligible?
Only projects on "ABS Legacy Sites" as defined in Pennsylvania regulations qualify. These are abandoned coal mining sites meeting specific criteria.
How do I know if my site qualifies?
Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. They define eligible sites under 25 Pa Code §86.1 and can confirm your site's status.
What is the funding based on?
Grants come from the SMCRA Fund, which includes bond forfeitures from mining operations. Funding amounts vary by available forfeiture money and project scope.
Do I need to match funding?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. The grant fully funds eligible reclamation projects.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact Pennsylvania DEP early to confirm your site meets the "ABS Legacy Site" definition. Ineligible sites waste application effort.
- Document the site's mining history and current condition thoroughly. Regulators need clear proof of legacy coal mining damage.
- Outline a realistic reclamation plan with specific site improvements and timelines. Vague restoration goals get rejected.
- Budget conservatively and itemize all costs. Justify each expense with site assessment data and contractor quotes.
- Work with local government partners if applicable. Joint municipal-nonprofit applications often have stronger local support.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants propose sites that don't meet the "ABS Legacy Site" definition, wasting effort on ineligible properties. Projects lack detailed site assessment and reclamation plans. Weak justifications for why the specific site needs reclamation funding.
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