This year marks a decade of the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program, or AMLER, from which Kentucky has received nearly $300 million.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has made another $29.5 million available, and for the first time, western Kentucky coal communities qualify. The application deadline is May 11.
Gov. Andy Beshear said several projects in Kentucky have benefited from AMLER funds.
“In the last decade, AMLER funds have helped build a motor sports welcome center in Harlan County, expand a lineman program at the Hazard Community and Technical College, establish the Leonard Lawson Cancer Center at the Pikeville Medical Center, and improve water service and promote tourism across eastern Kentucky,” Beshear said.
Beshear thanked 5th District Congressman Hal Rogers, who helped get the program started.
Eastern Kentucky’s coal production and jobs have collapsed in recent decades as natural gas has taken over as the nation’s dominant fuel for electricity.
The entire state has fewer than 3,600 coal jobs remaining. Another 300 workers were terminated in February. Clintwood JOD LLC, based in Pikeville, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.
Days later, the coal producer’s workers sued, alleging they were not given the 60 days’ notice required by federal labor law. They’re seeking 60 days of wages and benefits.
