February 8, 2000
           OSM AWARDS WEST VIRGINIA $26,497,435 MILLION
                 FOR ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM
     The Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM) has awarded West Virginia a $26,497,435 million
grant to assist in funding the State's abandoned mine lands (AML)
reclamation program.
     The $26,497,435 grant includes $22,895,141 in current year money,
plus $3,602,294 in funds carried over from prior year funding.
     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-     
NOTE:  For additional information about the grant contact Dewayne
Harless (304) 759-0506.