Heidi Heitkamp : Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for Mine Reclamation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced the availability of $2,793,000 in federal funding for North Dakota to reclaim abandoned mines that will help reduce hazards and impacts on communities near mines.

'North Dakota's true all-of-the-above energy strategy provides affordable energy and secure jobs for folks throughout the state,' said Heitkamp. 'Coal is a key piece of that strategy, and when mines come to their useful end, companies put the land back together for future generations to use and enjoy. However, mining operations prior to 1977 were not require to reclaim the land they used. This federal funding will help North Dakota reclaim old abandoned mines, returning the land to useable and safe conditions.'

These federal funds will be made available after states apply for allocated funds through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's 2017 Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation program. The AML grant program supports 28 states and tribes that mine coal with nearly $181 million to reclaim abandoned mines.

In July 2016, Heitkamp announced the 2015 Halleck Mine AML Project in Bowman was awarded the 2016 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Small Project Award. The mine, which is overseen by the North Dakota Public Service Commission, demonstrated our state's commitment to conserving the land through this notable reclamation project.