COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is accepting proposals for projects that reclaim abandoned coal mine lands while promoting long-term economic development in communities affected by historic mining.
The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program has up to $10 million in federal funding available for projects across Ohio’s coal region. Eligible projects can include improvements to abandoned mine lands, previously reclaimed sites, areas adjacent to abandoned mines or polluted waters, and communities impacted by historic coal production.
Communities interested in applying must submit a letter of intent through the Ohio AMLER Portal by Aug. 7. Eligible applicants invited to continue in the process must submit a full application by Sept. 25, including site photos, maps, preliminary project plans and letters of support.
The program is funded through the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and administered by ODNR’s Division of Mineral Resources Management.
Since the AMLER program began, ODNR has awarded more than $98 million to 51 projects across Ohio, supporting economic development while restoring former coal mining sites.
Last Updated on July 15, 2026 by AVC News
