Wedoany.com Report-Jun 14, The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has allocated $130 million for coal production initiatives in fiscal year 2025 (FY25) through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program. The funding targets Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio, Virginia, and select tribal communities to transform former coal mining sites into centers for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.

The funding for FY25 will be available via the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program.

The program empowers states and tribes to select projects that align with local economic and community needs. For FY25, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia will each receive $28.67 million. Alabama, Ohio, and Virginia are each set to receive $11 million, while the Crow Tribe, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Nation will each be allocated $3.67 million. These funds will support diverse projects, including energy infrastructure, manufacturing, recreation, and commercial redevelopment.

Adam Suess, DOI Acting Assistant Secretary of Lands and Mineral Management, stated: “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Burgum, these investments are transforming abandoned mine lands into hubs of economic opportunity, job creation, and local innovation. We are proud to support state and tribal partners in putting these lands back to work for the American people.”

The initiative encourages collaboration between states, tribes, and community partners to identify high-impact projects that maximize economic benefits. Beyond fostering development, the program addresses environmental challenges from legacy mining, such as unstable highwalls and polluted waterways, contributing to safer and more sustainable landscapes.

The funding reflects a commitment to revitalizing rural economies historically reliant on coal production. By repurposing abandoned mine lands, the program aims to create long-term opportunities while preserving community heritage. In 2022, a prior administration invested nearly $725 million in similar efforts to support coal communities, highlighting the ongoing focus on economic diversification in these regions.

The FY25 allocations are expected to drive job growth and infrastructure improvements, particularly in areas facing economic transitions. States and tribes will prioritize projects that leverage local resources and meet regional demands, ensuring the funds deliver tangible benefits. This approach supports broader goals of sustainable development and economic resilience, positioning former coal regions as hubs for innovation and opportunity.