Grant Proposals Available To Transform Abandoned Mines

Article Presented By Pickaway Ross CTC…

(Columbus) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is seeking proposals for projects that will encourage economic and community development across coal mining areas of Ohio. The ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management (DMRM) has up to $20 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant funds available to improve communities and local economies with historic abandoned mine lands.

In Jackson County, The Wellston Recreation Complex project established recreational facilities like improved baseball/softball fields, soccer field, trails, and improved parking while eliminating an abandoned mine land hazard. Current projects and program information can be found here.

“AMLER funding is vital for many communities to transform potential hazards into beautiful, useful spaces,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Abandoned mine lands can be restored into natural areas while also providing an economic boost through industrial and commercial development. This is not only a win for these communities, but for all Ohioans.”

Friendship Park in Jefferson County is an example of recently completed AMLER project.

Abandoned mine lands (AML) are sites that were mined for coal prior to 1977, before mining laws were enacted.

Project sites eligible for AMLER grants include:

Unreclaimed lands
Previously reclaimed lands
Places adjacent to abandoned coal mine lands or polluted waters
Communities impacted by historic coal production

AMLER grant funding is provided by the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) and grant awards are managed and distributed by the state. Projects must follow the guidelines set forth in in OSMRE’s AMLER Guidance Document.

Those interested in the grant program must submit their application along with a letter of intent, which includes a brief project summary, abandoned coal mining nexus, anticipated grant amount to be requested, other potential funding, and location map.

Letters of intent must be sent to AMLER@dnr.ohio.gov by July 21, 2024. Projects that are deemed eligible and invited to submit a completed application must submit the application and email it by September 15, 2024, and include the following attachments:

Site photos
Map showing project location and conceptual project work limits
Letters of support from partners, community members and local leaders
Preliminary project plans

You can read more about the grant program here.

ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management (MRM) has been investing and working diligently to transform AML sites into safe and enjoyable land for Ohioans to enjoy.

ODNR administers both a state and federal AML program. Prior to Ohio’s 1972 statute, and a 1977 federal statute, there was no requirement for restoration of desirable environmental conditions on mined areas.