Abandoned Mine Lands and Abandoned Mine Drainage (AML/AMD) Grant Program
Funds projects in Pennsylvania that use science and engineering to reclaim abandoned mine lands and treat mine drainage, restoring environments harmed by historic coal mining.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates: February 27, 2026 (IPC request, Round 1) | June 5, 2026 (Full application, Round 1) | August 21, 2026 (IPC request, Round 2) | November 30, 2026 (Full application, Round 2)
Funding Amounts: At least $88 million total for 2026; minimum $44 million per round; typical project categories: $15M AML, $5M AMD O&M, $10M new AMD treatment, $14M AMLER per round; max grant period 3 years.
Summary: Supports projects in Pennsylvania reclaiming abandoned mine lands and mitigating mine drainage to restore environments impacted by historic coal mining.
Key Information: Initial Project Consultation (IPC) with DEP is required at least 45 days before each round's application opens.
Description
This program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, funds projects that reclaim abandoned mine lands (AML) and address abandoned mine drainage (AMD) throughout Pennsylvania. The goal is to mitigate environmental hazards and restore land and water resources impacted by historic coal mining, in accordance with Title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Funding is provided through federal sources including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER), and SMCRA Title IV.
Eligible projects include:
- Reclamation of hazardous AML sites
- AMD abatement and treatment to improve watershed health
- Upgrades and maintenance of existing AMD treatment systems
- Projects that deliver measurable water quality improvements
The program emphasizes environmental outcomes, not economic development or research alone.
