March 28, 2000         
               
               OSM PROVIDES LOUISIANA $98,611 GRANT
                    TO FUND STATE AML PROGRAM
     The Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM) has awarded Louisiana a $98,611 grant to fund the
state's abandoned mine lands (AML) reclamation program.
     Funds for AML grants come from fees paid by coal producers at the
rate of 35 cents per ton of surface mined coal and 15 cents per ton of coal
mined underground.
                              -OSM-
     For further information about the grant, contact Tony 
Duplechin (504) 342-5528.