January 3, 2000

               OSM AWARDS COLORADO $2,000,000 GRANT
                                 
                 FOR ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM

     The Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM)  has awarded Colorado a $2,000,000 grant to assist in
funding the state's abandoned mine lands (AML) reclamation program.  

     Funds for AML grants come from fees paid by coal producers at the
rate of 35 cents per ton of surface mined coal and 15 cents per ton of coal
mined underground.


                               -DOI-

For further information about the grant contact Loretta Pineda (303) 866-
3819.