A $25 million grant will help local communities address orphan oil and gas wells. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provided the funds to help Kentucky reclaim abandoned mine lands and redevelop brownfields. The commonwealth has around 14,000 orphaned wells, and the Division of Oil and Gas stated the funding should address about 1,200 of them.

Local governments can benefit from the funding, which will prioritize areas with wells prone to leakage as well as those that hinder land development, affect communities, and negatively impact water resources.

The Finance and Administration Cabinet issued 17 requests for proposals and could award contracts by the end of September to plug 312 abandoned wells. The Division of Oil and Gas identified orphaned wells eligible for the funds. The governor’s office says the state could receive an additional $79 million in the next phase of the five-year BIL program.

“This program will be a great shot in the arm to our well-plugging efforts,” Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman said. “I encourage all interested contractors to quickly apply.”

You can find information on the program and how to apply here.