DEP Now Accepting Applications For First Round Of Federally-Funded Local Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants, Deadline April 25

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the first round of federally-funded local Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Drainage Treatment Grants.  The deadline to apply is April 25. (formal notice)

Eligible applicants include a county or municipality, conservation district, council of government, municipal authority and nonprofit organizations.

The grants are for the purpose of abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation and abandoned mine drainage (AMD) treatment or abatement.

All applicants must request and participate in an Initial Project Consultation at least one month prior to an application round opening to be considered an eligible applicant. 

A second grant round is planned for September 2 to October 24.

Visit DEP’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Drainage Treatment Grants webpage for all the details.  Questions should be directed to: RA-EPAMGrantProgram@pa.gov. 

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

(Photos: Little Conemaugh River in Cambria County before and after mine drainage treatment.)

Resource Links:

-- Tribune-Democrat: Federal Office Of Surface Mining In PA To Close, Staff Cut, May Significantly Impact Abandoned Mine Reclamation Efforts In PA  [PDF of Article] 

-- WTAE: DOGE Targets Shutdown Of Federal Offices In Western PA, Including 3 Mine Safety & Health Administration Offices 

-- PA Council Of Trout Unlimited: Millions In Trout Unlimited Watershed Projects Improve The Environment, Local Economies Across The US; Federal Funding Freeze, Office Closures, Staff Cuts 'Sacrificing Our National Conservation Legacy'  [PaEN] 

-- Pocono Record - Brian Whipkey: Trout Unlimited Officials Worry Over Potential Impacts From Reduced Federal Funding In PA [PDF of Article] 

-- PASA Sustainable Agriculture Joins Lawsuit To Restore Federal Funding To Farmers; March 26 Online Town Meeting  [PaEN] 

Related Articles This Week:

-- Lt. Gov. Davis, DEP, Community Celebrate The Opening Of Federal/State Funded Blacklick Creek Mine Drainage Treatment Plant To Clean Up 25 Miles Of Waterways In Cambria, Indiana Counties  [PaEN] 

-- DEP Now Accepting Applications For First Round Of Federally-Funded Local Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants, Deadline April 25  [PaEN] 

-- Abandoned Mine Post: Foundation For PA Watersheds Offers Help To Groups With Projects Caught In Federal Funding Freeze  [PaEN]

[Posted: March 20, 2025]  PA Environment Digest