Investment is supplemental to the $244 million from the Infrastructure Law
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is announcing Pennsylvania will receive $26 million in funding for abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation. This funding is in addition to the $244 million PA received from the infrastructure law last month and will allow states to invest in the safety of land damaged by mining and create jobs for coal communities. One-third of the Nation’s abandoned mine land is in Pennsylvania, with approximately 43 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties affected by abandoned coal mines.
“Across the Commonwealth, communities experience the legacy of abandoned mines, from property damage to polluted waterways to poor health for generations. This funding is vital to restoring the health of those communities,” said Senator Casey. “Thanks to the infrastructure law, Pennsylvania will also receive more than $244 million to clean up dangerous sites, improve water quality damaged by acid mine drainage, create new jobs and revitalize economies. I will continue fighting to bring infrastructure funding to Pennsylvania to ensure we can address pollution and water quality.”
Pennsylvania is one of the largest coal producing states in the country, and 1.4 million Pennsylvanians live within one mile of an abandoned mine. Senator Casey has long supported the AML program and spoke about the program’s importance with Secretary Haaland during her visit to Swoyersville, PA. Between formula funding and grant eligibility in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pennsylvania will be eligible to receive more than $3 billion over the next 15 years to clean up abandoned mine land and create a safer, healthier environment for all Pennsylvanians.
