OSMRE celebrates 10 years of investments in Coal Country to fuel jobs and economic growth
Published by Jody Dodgson,
Editorial Assistant
World Coal,
Since its launch in 2016, AMLER has helped transform legacy coal mining sites into drivers of economic opportunity, supporting workforce development, infrastructure, energy projects, and community-led redevelopment across Appalachia and tribal lands. This year’s funding continues that momentum, with states and tribal partners leading project selection to ensure investments reflect local priorities and deliver lasting impact.
“When I was overseeing the Abandoned Mine Lands Programme as Chief for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, I saw firsthand that this funding was critical for communities” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Lands and Mineral Management Lanny E. Erdos.
“AMLER gives states the ability to do more than reclaim land. It gives them the ability to invest in what comes next. As the director of OSMRE, I see the full scale of this programme. AMLER projects are creating jobs, building infrastructure, and opening doors for communities. That is what makes this programme so important. It is not just about restoring land; it is about restoring opportunity for coal communities that have powered this country for decades, providing the baseload energy that has kept the lights on.”
FY26 AMLER funding allocation
For FY26, AMLER funding is allocated as follows:
- US$29.5 million each for Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
- US$11.25 million each for Alabama, Ohio, and Virginia.
- US$3.917 million each for the Crow Tribe and Navajo Nation.
- US$3.916 million for the Hopi Tribe.
Eligible states and tribes collaborate with community and economic development partners to identify high-impact projects, ranging from energy infrastructure to manufacturing, recreation, and commercial redevelopment.
From reclamation to revitalisation
Over the past decade, AMLER has supported over 300 projects that reflect the unique needs and opportunities of each community. Projects range from industrial development and workforce training to tourism and critical infrastructure.
Some standout examples include:
- Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), Bear Valley Project, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania: Supported through Pennsylvania’s AML and AMLER programmes, this nationally recognised project transformed 88 acres of abandoned mine land into a destination for outdoor recreation. The project reclaimed six legacy mining hazards and constructed more than 6600 ft of specialised rock-crawling trails designed for off-road vehicles. Today, the site draws visitors from across the region, supporting tourism and demonstrating how reclaimed mine lands can be reimagined as engines of local growth.
- Shonto Hotel Development, Shonto, Navajo Nation: Supported by AMLER funding, this project is transforming a 10-acre site into a new hotel that will expand economic activity, create jobs, and increase tourism in the region. By combining Tribal leadership with public and private investment, the project reflects a locally driven approach to economic development and long-term sustainability.
- Leonard Lawson Cancer Centre at Pikeville Medical Centre, Pike County, Kentucky: AMLER investments supported the renovation and expansion of a regional cancer treatment facility, improving access to advanced care for patients across Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia. The project upgraded medical equipment, expanded treatment capacity, and enhanced patient services. Since opening, the center has delivered high-quality care closer to home while creating jobs and serving as a critical source of support for patients and families navigating cancer.
A decade of impact
Over ten years, AMLER has evolved from a pilot programme into a cornerstone of federal investment in coal communities, supporting projects that reclaim land while building the foundation for future growth. The programme continues to address dangerous legacy mining features, such as unstable highwalls, mine fires, and polluted waterways, while unlocking the economic potential of these lands. By pairing reclamation with economic development, AMLER is helping communities turn past challenges into new opportunities.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/14042026/osmre-celebrates-10-years-of-investments-in-coal-country-to-fuel-jobs-and-economic-growth/