Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program
Transforming legacy coal mining sites into engines of community and economic renewal, since FY 2016.
Program at a Glance
Total funding allocated since inception
Eligible states and tribal nations
Annual Visitors to AMLER sites
FY 2026 appropriation
Overview
The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program was established in Fiscal Year 2016 (originally as the AML Pilot Program) to help coal communities reclaim and repurpose legacy mining sites.
Administered by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), AMLER provides dedicated federal funding to the 9 eligible Appalachian states and tribal nations to support projects that link environmental reclamation with economic and community development.
AMLER Community Impact by the Numbers - (As of Nov 30, 2024)
| Impact by the Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Jobs Created/Sustained: | 27,827 |
| Students Trained Annually: | 5,353 |
| Miles of Utilities Installed: | 277.38 |
| Acres Reclaimed: | 7,026.95 |
| Miles of Streams Reclaimed: | 183.43 |
| Miles of Trails: | 500.35 |
| Households Improved: | 203,569 |
| Annual Visitors to AMLER Sites: | 4,377,863 |
Funding & Appropriations
- $134 million appropriated
- Signed into law: January 23, 2026
- Direct payments issued: April 13, 2026
Allocations include:- $29.5M each: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
- $11.25M each: Alabama, Ohio, Virginia
- ~$3.91M each: Crow Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation
- $130 million total
- Direct payments issued: June 4, 2025
Allocations include:- $28.67M each: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
- $11M each: Alabama, Ohio, Virginia
- ~$3.67M each: Crow Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation
Appropriated AMLER Funding (Millions of Dollars)
How the Program Works
The AMLER process varies depending on how funds are distributed, but all projects follow a lifecycle centered on eligibility, environmental compliance, and community impact.
Program Evolution
- FY 2016–2023: Funds distributed as grants completed
- FY 2024–Present: Transition to direct payments
Guidance & Resources
OSMRE publishes guidance documents to support project eligibility and implementation.
Eligibility & Project Development
AMLER projects must demonstrate a direct connection between abandoned mine land reclamation and economic or community development outcomes.
Eligible applicants include:
- State AML programs
- Tribal AML programs
Project proposals are submitted through state or tribal programs, which:
- Identify and evaluate potential projects
- Ensure alignment with AMLER eligibility guidance
- Coordinate with OSMRE as needed
Process for projects funded by direct payments (FY24-Present)
-
Congressional appropriation
-
Direct payments to states/tribes
-
State/tribal project selection
-
Eligibility and environmental compliance
-
Project implementation
-
Audit and reporting
-
Project completion
Process for projects funded by grants (FY2016-2023)
-
Congressional appropriation
-
OSMRE allocation to states/tribes
-
Project submission and review
-
Eligibility determination
-
Environmental (NEPA) review
-
Authorization to proceed
-
Construction and implementation
-
Reporting and completion
Program Impact
Since FY 2016, AMLER has supported projects that demonstrate a clear connection between abandoned mine land reclamation and economic revitalization. Program investments have contributed to:
- Job creation and workforce development
- Tourism and recreation infrastructure
- Public infrastructure improvements
- Environmental restoration of land and waterways
- Community redevelopment and reuse of legacy sites
These outcomes reflect a broader goal: helping coal communities transition toward sustainable, locally driven economic futures.
AMLER Report: Status of the AMLER Program and Projects
The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Report details the impact of the AMLER Program and the status of its projects through November 30, 2024.
Since FY 2016, the AMLER Program has provided funding through annual appropriation laws to eligible states and tribes. These funds support projects that demonstrate a clear connection between abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation and economic and community development.
As the oversight agency, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement maintains this report to support transparency and provide a more flexible way to review program data.
Archived AMLER Reports
Archived Guidance Document
Apply for Funding
AMLER project applications are submitted through state or tribal AML programs. Contact your state or tribal AML program for current application timelines and requirements. Click on the map to learn more about the state or tribal AML program.
- FY 2016 - FY 2023 Federal Interest FAQs
- AMLER Grants vs. Payments FAQs
- AMLER Grants vs. Payments Comparison
Is AMLER the same as the AML Pilot Program?
Yes. The program was renamed in 2021 to align with appropriations language but includes all funding since FY 2016.
When will funding be available?
Funding is appropriated annually. FY 2026 payments are expected by April 23, 2026.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must demonstrate a clear connection between AML reclamation and economic or community development.