17414_Authority_April_2024

municipalauthorities.org | 59 Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced up to $101,110,178 in funding for 16 environmental restoration projects of abandoned mine lands (AML) as a part of the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Grant Program. These projects focus on reclaiming AML, decreasing AMD, or treating AMD through the construction, operation, and/or maintenance of an AMD treatment facility. “Reclaiming abandoned mine land is a crucial endeavor, restoring both the environment and communities in our Commonwealth,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These grant recipients are taking on projects that pave the way for meaningful efforts that improve water quality, foster ecosystem recovery, and revitalize communities for a greater quality of life for Pennsylvanians.” The projects are funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The grant program prioritizes serious human health and safety problems that are a result of abandoned coal mines, as well as treating AMD to continue restoration efforts under the AMD Set-Aside Program. The grant program also focuses on operation and maintenance needs or upgrades of AMD treatment systems. This prevents the loss of restored streams and creates significant water quality improvements that go toward watershed restoration. S Source: DEP Press Release 1/17/24 The Shapiro Administration Awards $101.1 Million in Grants for Environmental Restoration Projects Millions in funding to reclaim abandoned mine land will pave the way to improving water quality and revitalizing Pennsylvania communities