Funding for local acid mine drainage reclamation projects
As part of the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative, funds are available to award
cooperative agreements to not-for-profit organizations, especially small watershed groups,
that undertake local acid mine drainage (AMD) reclamation projects. The maximum award
amount for each cooperative agreement will normally be $100,000 in order to assist as
many groups as possible to undertake actual construction projects to clean streams
impacted by acid mine drainage.
Eligible Applicants
The cooperative agreements will be awarded to not-for-profit, established
organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status.
Neither federal/state/local governments nor colleges/universities are eligible to
receive funding directly. These institutions, however, are eligible to participate as
subcontractors.
Applicants must have other partners, contributing either funding or in-kind
services needed to complete the project.
Applicants must have financial management and internal controls systems adequate
to manage federal funds.
Eligible Projects
Projects must meet eligibility criteria for coal projects outlined in the Surface Mining
Law (Public Law 95-87):
Projects in the following states are eligible: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia,
and West Virginia.
A state certification of eligibility is required.
There should be no opposition to the project from the state Abandoned Mine Land
(AML) agency.
All applicable federal and state clearances and permits must be secured.
The project should propose to use accepted technology that has a probability of
success.
The project must produce tangible results, e.g., fishery restored, stream miles
improved, pollutants removed from the streams.
The funds primarily are to be used for the construction phase of a project; however,
any cost (administrative or construction) associated with the completion of the
project is allowable.
There must be demonstrated public support for the project.
There must be a plan to address any ongoing operation/maintenance considerations.
Evaluation Criteria Organization
The applicant is a not-for-profit organization, with IRS 501(c)(3) status.
The applicant's internal control and financial management systems are adequate to
manage federal funds (determination made by the Office of Surface Mining based
on on-site review).
The applicant should have a bank account to receive federal funds.
The applicant should maintain accurate, current and complete records.
The applicant should maintain receipts and disbursements by project.
The applicant should have written procurement and cash management
procedures.
Project
The requested Office of Surface Mining clean streams funding is the final amount
necessary to complete the project.
Partners, contributing funding and/or in-kind services, are involved in the project.
There is no opposition to the project from the state Abandoned Mine Land agency.
The project has a high likelihood of success through reliance on current technology.
The project produces tangible results, e.g., fishery restored, stream miles restored,
pounds of pollutants removed from the streams.
The applicant has legal access (right of entry) to the property for purposes of project
construction.
The project will be conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
The applicant has secured all applicable federal and state clearances and permits.
There is public support for the project.
There is a plan to address any ongoing operational/maintenance considerations.
The project will be completed within a two-year time frame.
The Office of Surface Mining's participation in the project is no more than $100,000.
After the Award
The cooperative agreements will have a two-year performance period.
Financial and programmatic reporting on approved projects will be on a quarterly
basis.
The Office of Surface Mining may make site visits to the approved project during
project construction.
