OSM FACT SHEET
U.S. Department of the Interior       Office of Surface Mining
September 16, 1997

        OSM AWARDS ALABAMA ADDITIONAL $100,000
        FOR ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM

    The Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM) has awarded Alabama an additional $100,000 grant to assist
in funding the state's abandoned mine lands (AML) reclamation program.

    Funds for AML grants come from fees paid by coal producers at the rate of
3 5 cents per ton of surface mined coal and 15 cents per ton of coal mined
underground.

    The additional $100,000 grant brings to $4,397,981 the amount OSM has
awarded to Alabama for its AML program during Fiscal Year 1997.

                                                  -DOI-

For further information about the grant contact Bill Guyette (334) 242-8265.