Grant will support economic development, renewable energy, mine reclamation in Southwest Virginia

The application period is now open for the fourth round of funding through the Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program.

Economic development grants totaling $10 million are available for projects in Southwest Virginia that reclaim abandoned mine land and diversify the region’s economy.

The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy administers the grants funded through the federal Pilot Program. Projects must reclaim historic mining features, and those that promote innovative renewable energy solutions, agricultural advancements, and the revitalization of historically disadvantaged communities will receive top priority.

Projects completed with the funds will not only be designed to boost the economy of Southwest Virginia’s coalfields but will also improve the environment and advance the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals. All projects selected must receive approval from the federal Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement.

Virginia is one of six states selected to administer this pilot program for economic development projects that develop AML sites. DMME received the initial $10 million in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and selected numerous projects each year.

The funding comes from the Pilot Program, which was part of the federal Omnibus Funding Bill.

Details

Those looking for places to propose projects can find an AML inventory on the DMME website that lists locations and features for each site.

DMME will receive applications through April 1.

Applications and information can be found via the DMME website and should be submitted electronically to [email protected].

Support

“The Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program provides important opportunities to repurpose land and water impacted by abandoned mines to advance renewable energy and revitalize historically disadvantaged communities in Southwest Virginia,” Gov. Ralph Northam said. “This program has funded several successful projects designed to develop solar resources, spur tourism, and improve infrastructure for new industrial sites. I look forward to seeing the innovative ideas that come out of this fourth round of funding to continue moving the Commonwealth’s coalfield region forward.”

“Support from the Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program helps our communities redevelop old mine lands for new purposes,” Ninth District Congressman Morgan Griffith said. “The federal funding that goes to these projects contributes to economic growth and environmental renewal, improving the quality of life in the coalfields.”

“Virginia has approved 15 projects through AML over the last three years, and we look forward to seeing the results of this fourth round,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said. “Past projects have brought development in renewable energy, tourism improvements, new infrastructure and industrial sites.”

“Our agency has big goals when it comes to renewable energy and supporting historically disadvantaged communities,” DMME Director John Warren said. “We are seeing development on these historic mine sites and new purpose to land once thought unusable. That is quite the accomplishment of our team at DMME, and we hope to see more creative ideas that will help contribute to a clean energy transition.”