April 15, 2026 - The US Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) issued $134-million in funding in the 2026 financial year, through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) programme.

Since its launch in 2016, the AMLER programme has helped to rebuild and redefine the local economics of coal communities.

In particular, OSMRE says AMLER has helped transform legacy coal mining sites into drivers of economic opportunity, supporting workforce development, infrastructure, energy project 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.

US Department of Interior lands and mineral management acting assistant secretary Lanny Erdos says 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.”

For the 2026 financial year, AMLER has allocated $29.5-million each for Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia; $11.25-million each for Alabama, Ohio and Virginia; $3.9-million each for the Crow Tribe and Navajo Nation; and $3.9-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.

Over the past decade, AMLER has supported more than 300 projects that reflect the unique needs and opportunities of each community. The projects range from industrial development and workforce training to tourism and critical infrastructure.

A standout example of these projects includes 88 acres of abandoned mine land having been transformed into a destination for outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania. The project reclaimed six legacy mining hazards and constructed more than 6 600 ft of specialized 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.

Another example is that of the Shonto Hotel Development that is being undertaken by Navajo Nation. This project is transforming a ten-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,” OSMRE states.

AMLER funding has also supported the renovation and expansion of a regional cancer treatment facility in Kentucky, 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 centre 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.

Since 2016 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,” OSMRE concludes.