01/24/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/24/2022 11:25
FRANKFORT, KY. (Jan. 24, 2022) - Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday that Appalachian communities can apply now for grants to help them achieve economic and community development goals.
The Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands is accepting applications in anticipation of receiving 2022 Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant funding, previously known as the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program. The deadline to submit an application is April 1, 2022.
"These grants are creating hundreds of jobs and a strong economic future in our Eastern Kentucky counties," Gov. Beshear said. "We are ready to receive applications and award more funds to help build that better Kentucky for all of our families and communities."
Each application must include details of its economic and community advantages along with a connection to pre-law coal mining (mining that was completed prior to May 18, 1982).
"We are excited to once again offer Appalachian communities the opportunity to apply for and receive AMLER grants, which have been proven to bring jobs and economic development to the area," said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman.
Previous successful grant applications include industrial development, workforce training, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, agritech and community wellness projects.
Since the program's inception, 63 projects in 23 counties have been selected for $138 million in funding. The program has generated 143 jobs, including 83 new positions at the Dajcor Aluminum extrusion project in Perry County, and allowed for training more than 258 workers at the East Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI) and at the Hazard Community and Technical College.
Once projects are completed, these 63 grantees are projected to have created more than 2,800 new jobs for the region.
In November, Gov. Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced $9.18 million in AMLER grants for economic development projects in 10 Eastern Kentucky counties.
Those projects selected for funding in November include the following:
Projects selected through the program are vetted and approved by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
The 2022 AMLER application and supporting information are located on the Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands website.
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