The Alabama Department of Workforce, ADOW, in partnership with the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, OSMRE, announced Tuesday the award of $11,751,607.34 in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization, AMLER, grants for fiscal year 2023.
Two innovative projects in Hoover, Alabama—Broad Metro’s Stadium Trace Village Phase 2 Project and Signature Homes’ I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension—will each receive $5,875,803.67 to support abandoned mine land, AML, reclamation and construction efforts.
These initiatives aim to eliminate environmental hazards, enhance public safety and drive economic growth in coal-impacted communities.
The AMLER Program, funded through federal appropriations, targets legacy coal mining sites abandoned before 1977, converting them into productive assets for local economies. “The selected projects demonstrate a strong connection between reclamation and community benefits, including job creation, infrastructure improvements, and new development opportunities in Jefferson and Shelby counties,” the organizations shared.
Broad Metro’s Stadium Trace Village Phase 2 Project will revitalize approximately 121 acres of undeveloped land, incorporating a state-of-the-art 80,000-square-foot South Haven Surgical Plaza, a hotel, retail spaces and green areas. This mixed-use development is expected to create over 300 temporary construction jobs and 200 permanent positions, while preserving natural features and providing new recreational and commercial options for residents.
Signature Homes’ I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension will construct a new interchange and bypass road between Exit 6 at Morgan Road and Exit 10 at John Hawkins Parkway, easing traffic congestion and unlocking access to surrounding areas for residential and commercial growth. The project includes connections to Ross Bridge Parkway and supports broader annexation efforts, fostering economic expansion in western Hoover.
“This $11.75 million investment underscores Alabama’s commitment to transforming abandoned mine lands into vibrant, productive spaces that benefit our communities,” said Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. “These projects not only restore our environment but also create jobs and spur economic development in areas that have long shown the impacts of past mining activities.”
“Through the AMLER Program, we are turning liabilities into assets for Alabama’s coal-impacted counties,” said Deputy Secretary and Acting Director of Mining and Reclamation Jennifer Holton. “We look forward to partnering with communities to fund innovative projects that create lasting benefits.”
The grants will fund AML reclamation activities, such as hazard mitigation and site preparation, alongside project construction to ensure sustainable redevelopment. ADOW said it encourages collaboration with local governments, economic development organizations and nonprofits to maximize the program’s impact.
For more information on the AMLER Program and future funding opportunities, visit the Alabama Department of Workforce Abandoned Mine Lands Program website at adol.alabama.gov or the OSMRE site at osmre.gov.
