WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he secured $115 million for the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) pilot program, $25 million of which will go to Kentucky for the development of projects on land previously used to mine coal that will help support economic development in Eastern Kentucky. The resources are included in the government funding bill that was approved by the Senate today. A House/Senate Conference Committee must now approve the legislation.

“This funding, which is welcome news for Kentucky, will help communities reclaim abandoned coal mines in hopes of spurring economic development in the region by supporting tourism, recreation, job creation, and workforce training,” Senator McConnell said.

In 2015, Senator McConnell worked with Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) to establish this pilot program, which has led to many successful economic development projects in coal communities.

“Congressman Rogers and I continue to champion growth and new jobs in Eastern Kentucky, and we are proud to ensure these communities have a strong voice in Washington,” Senator McConnell added.

Prior appropriations from this program have already funded several projects in Kentucky, including:

• Bell County: $12.5M for a visitor & learning center and Appalachian wildlife viewing area;
• Johnson County: $2.5M for an educational and manufacturing skills training program;
• Martin County: $2.25M for water system control upgrades and replacements;
• Breathitt County: $1.95M for the South Fork Elk viewing development and campground;
• Magoffin County: $1.9M for development of 15+ acres for campsites, cabins, and barns;
• Leslie County: $1.15M for a utility training program at Hazard Community & Technical College; and
• Perry County: $900,000 for a natural gas pipeline to service the Coal Fields Regional Industrial Park.