2019 AML Pilot Program

The purpose of this guidance document is to provide State/Tribal AML Programs with general criteria by which potential projects will be evaluated for eligibility and successful selection. This guidance is intended to ensure that projects meet the economic and community development nexus criteria, as the current AML program does not require such criteria. As such, the AML Pilot Program offers a non traditional approach to the reclamation of impacted mine lands. A uniform approach is not expected in every State/Tribe; however, this guidance is intended to assist States/Tribes in their selection of projects.

State/Tribal AML Programs are encouraged to collaborate with their respective State/Tribal and local economic development authorities and local communities to identify potential projects and apply funds from the AML Pilot to projects that will offer the greatest benefits for communities. The AML Pilot offers States, Tribes, and local communities flexibility in deciding which projects offer the greatest opportunities within their communities.

•    In the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2016 signed by President Obama, three Appalachian States were designated to receive $30 million dollars per state as part of a Pilot Project for economic revitalization. These supplemental grants for Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky are for reclamation of AML sites in conjunction with economic and community development and reuse goals.
•    In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 signed by President Trump, the three original Pilot Program Appalachian States (Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky) were designated to receive an additional $25 million dollars per state. Three additional states (Alabama, Ohio, and Virginia) received $10 million per state.
•    All funding for the two years of pilot program grants was appropriated from the federal General Fund.  No AML funds were utilized for the granted amounts.
 

AML’s role in the Pilot Program includes:

•    Implementation and distribution of the Economic and Community Development grants
•    Facilitation of potential grantees through the State application process
•    Selection of viable proposals from the submitted applications and review for adherence to the program guidelines
•    Provision of oversight for selected projects after approval

Previous Recipients of

AML Pilot Program Grants

eKAMI - eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute
Johnson County - $2.5 Million Grant
Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) skills training program for up to 100 students per year to be certified by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills for CNC Machinists with HAAS Automation Inc.
 


Appalachian Wildlife Center
Bell County - $12.5 Million Grant
Estimated $32 Million in total investment
Create a wildlife viewing area with elk as the primary attraction, with a visitor and learning center located on a 12,000 acre tract of land.
 



Kentucky Enterprise Park - Spec Building
Pike County - $5 million Grant
Construction of a 60,000 square foot spec building at the Pikeville Industrial Park, with the intent to demonstrate what the park has to offer to potential businesses and act as a cornerstone for development. The building found a tenant prior to construction.  SilverLiner, manufacturer of custom tanker trucks will occupy the site immediately upon completion.
 


Impact Outdoor Adventures
Clay County - $500,000 Grant
Focusing on development of an outdoor adventure park for camping, mountain bikes, archery center and equine center. Adjoins 15 miles of existing trails on a 47 acre tract donated by the Clay County Industrial Board.