The U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) awarded Kentucky more than $74.2 million to clean up historic mine sites and create jobs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) authorized the new funding, which will allocate money to the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (DAML) for 15 years. The program will help rebuild ailing water infrastructures and supplies among other projects.

DAML completed 70 projects last year that totaled nearly $9 million. The new funding allows the agency to more than double the number of projects it can complete each year. Additionally, the division will restart the Water Supply Replacement Program to provide clean water to areas impacted by historical mining.

Land and water problems caused by coal mining that ceased before May 18, 1982, are eligible for BIL funds. You can learn more about the program and how to apply for funding here.