Communities in Kentucky's eastern and western coalfield counties can apply for this year’s Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant funding, expected to total $29.5 million.
The grants help support communities with a history of coal mining meet economic and community development goals. Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. EDT on May 11, 2026.
"For a decade, this program has leveraged the strength of our Appalachian communities to develop innovative projects and economic opportunity for our people," Gov. Andy Beshear said. "This year, that opportunity is being extended to coal communities in Western Kentucky, creating even more good-paying jobs across our commonwealth which our people deserve."
Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman said the AMLER Program has helped strengthen workforce training, tourism, industrial development and other sectors.
"The AMLER Program gives Kentuckians the tools to enact real change in their communities. I'm proud that our cabinet can be a part of the process," Goodman said.
U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers established the AMLER program in 2016 to help the coal-producing states that have helped power our nation transition toward newly emerging industries. Since then, more than $280 million has been awarded for projects in Kentucky.
Reference to the "Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Economic Development Pilot Program" (AML Pilot Program) changed to the "Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program" (AMLER Program) in March 2021 to realign with the language in the appropriation law. The AMLER name refers to all years of the program (first funded in FY 2016).
Each application must include details of the project’s economic benefit along with a connection to pre-law coal mining (mining that was completed prior to May 18, 1982).
Staff personnel with the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands will be available on the following dates to provide potential applicants with virtual or in-person assistance.
- March 19 – 100 Bulldog Lane, Suite 103, Hazard
- March 26 – 85 State Police Road, London
- April 9 – 3140 S. Lake Drive, Suite 6, Prestonsburg
- April 16 – 625 Hospital Drive, Madisonville
Appointments can be scheduled here.
At the SOAR Summit in August, Gov. Andy Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers announced the 2025 awardees, who received nearly $26 million in AMLER grants to support local projects.
