April 27, 2000

                OSM AWARDS KANSAS $2,068,383 GRANT
                 FOR ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM

     The Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM)  has awarded Kansas a $2,068,383 grant to assist in
funding the state's abandoned mine lands (AML) reclamation program.  

     The $2,068,383 grant includes $1,965,000 in current year money,
plus $103,383 in funds carried over from prior year funding. 
     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.
                              
                               -DOI-

For further information about the grant contact Murray J. Balk (316) 231-
8540.