July 19, 2026 - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is seeking proposals for projects that will support long-term economic development in communities impacted by historic coal mining. The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program supports projects that reclaim abandoned mine land while simultaneously promoting sustained economic growth. The ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management (MRM) has up to $10 million in federal funding for projects across the coal region of Ohio.

“The AMLER program is a terrific way to help local communities and invest in Ohio’s future,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Each project we support has the potential to strengthen local economies, enhance outdoor recreation, and create spaces that bring people together for generations to come.”

Abandoned mine lands (AML) are sites that were mined for coal prior to 1977, before mining laws were enacted.

• Unreclaimed lands
• Previously reclaimed lands
• Places adjacent to abandoned coal mine lands or polluted waters
• Communities impacted by historic coal production

AMLER grant funding is provided by the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), and grant awards are managed and distributed by the state. Projects must follow the guidelines outlined in OSMRE’s AMLER Guidance Document.

Those interested in the grant program must submit a letter of intent, which includes a brief project summary, abandoned coal mining nexus, anticipated grant amount to be requested, other potential funding, and a location map.

Letters of intent must be submitted through the Ohio AMLER Portal by August 7, 2026. Projects that are deemed eligible and invited to submit a completed application must submit the application through the portal by September 25, 2026, and include the following attachments:

• Site photos
• Map showing project location and conceptual project work limits
• Letters of support from partners, community members, and local leaders
• Preliminary project plans

You can read more about the grant here.

The ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management has been investing and working diligently to transform AML sites into safe and enjoyable land for all Ohioans. ODNR administers both a state and federal AML program. Prior to Ohio’s 1972 statute and a 1977 federal statute, there was no requirement for restoration of desirable environmental conditions on mined areas. Since the beginning of the AMLER program, ODNR has awarded 51 projects with over $98 million in funding.

The Division of Mineral Resources Management oversees the safe and environmentally sound development and restoration of mineral and fossil fuel extraction sites. The division also restores abandoned mine land, enforces mining safety laws, and ensures the protection of citizens, land, and water resources.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.