The Alabama Department of Workforce, ADOW, Abandoned Mine Land Program, AML, said Wednesday it is continuing its mission to enhance safety and restore environments across Alabama by investing federal funds to address hazards left by unregulated coal mining operations prior to 1977.
“With a robust portfolio of completed, ongoing and planned projects, the AML Program is making significant strides in revitalizing communities statewide,” the Program shared.
In the past year, the AML Program has invested approximately $8.25 million to resolve critical environmental and safety concerns in communities such as Moody, Adger, Vestavia Hills and West Blocton.
Currently, the program is directing over $20.7 million toward reclamation efforts in Nauvoo, Empire, Irondale, Tuscaloosa, Helena and West Blocton. These projects tackle dangerous highwalls, hazardous equipment, vertical openings, mine portals and other legacy mining hazards to ensure safer environments for Alabama’s communities.
The AML Program has also issued invitations to bid for reclamation projects in Haleyville and Warrior, alongside a semi-annual maintenance package for recently completed sites in West Blocton, Vestavia Hills, Oakman, Moody, Nauvoo, Ragland and Adger. These efforts represent an investment of over $1.7 million in Alabama communities and also provide good-paying construction jobs for the citizens of the state, the Program said.
Looking ahead, the AML Program anticipates investing an additional $11 million by the end of 2025 for design and construction projects in Jasper, Odenville and Oakman. While three AMLER-funded projects are slated for bidding soon, these are not included in the $11 million projection. All planned bids remain subject to approval.
“Through the AML Program, we are not only addressing the scars left by decades-old mining practices but also investing in the safety and prosperity of Alabama’s communities,” said Secretary Greg Reed of the Alabama Department of Workforce. “These projects reflect our commitment to transforming hazardous sites into safe, sustainable spaces for current and future generations. We’re proud to partner with private landowners as well as local communities to make a lasting impact.”
For more information about the AML Program or to stay updated on project developments, contact the Alabama Department of Workforce AML Program at (205) 945-8671 or visit its website here.
