OSM FACT SHEET
U.S. Department of the Interior                                    
Office of Surface Mining                     
June 23, 1999
                                                                                                                                                
                  OSM AWARDS ILLINOIS $9, 550, 884 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 

$9, 550, 884 grant to assist in funding 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.