S23AF00013

Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Abandoned Mined Lands Bill (AML Program Title IV) Award Purpose

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Pub. L. No. 117-58, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, was enacted on November 15, 2021. The BIL authorized and appropriated $11.293 billion for deposit into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund administered by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).

Of the $11.293 billion appropriated, OSMRE will distribute approximately $10.873 billion in BIL grants to eligible states and tribes on an equal annual basis, approximately $725 million a year over a 15-year period.

In accordance with Executive Order 14008, states and tribes are encouraged to prioritize projects that equitably provide funding under the Justice40 Initiative towards meeting the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits flow to disadvantaged communities.

BIL funds will expand the AML Reclamation Program to meet the priorities described in the BIL and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), as amended.

Activities to be performed include all costs necessary to reclaim eligible lands as defined by SMCRA and the approved reclamation plan. These activities include costs directly identified in the approved reclamation plan, support costs including equipment and support services, and costs to develop an amendment to the approved reclamation plan.

Expected deliverables or outcomes, including documents related to the oversight of the state program, can be found on the OSMRE website: [https://www.odocs.osmre.gov](https://www.odocs.osmre.gov).

Costs must be used for activities directly identified in the approved program, including support costs such as equipment and support services. Costs to develop an amendment to the approved program are also eligible.

Intended beneficiaries: States and tribes may use BIL AML grants to address coal AML problems, including hazards resulting from legacy coal mining that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment within their jurisdictions. These hazards include dangerous highwalls, waste piles, subsidence, open portals, features that may be routes for the release of harmful gases, acid mine drainage, etc. Water supply restoration infrastructure and coal AML emergencies are also eligible.

Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/A.

West Virginia Department Of Environmental Protection

15.252 - Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation (AMLR)

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) [DOI]

West Virginia United States

State-Wide

S-S-BIL-22-001

Infrastructure $140,751,469 (100%) percent this Formula Grant was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.