OSM Fact Sheet
June 8, 2000

              OSM AWARDS ILLINOIS $10,031,430 GRANT

                 FOR ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM

     The Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM) announced today that Illinois has been awarded a
$10,031,430 grant to fund the state's abandoned mine lands (AML)
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.

                              -DOI-
 
For additional information about the grant contact Angela Byerline (217)
524-0367.