January 29, 2000

               OSM AWARDS CROW TRIBE $856,618 GRANT
                                 
                 FOR ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM

     The Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM) has awarded the Crow Tribe a $856,618 grant to fund
the abandoned mine lands (AML) reclamation program on Tribal lands in
Montana.
     The $856,618 grant includes $479,552 in current year money, plus
$377,066 in funds carried over from prior year funding.
     Legislation was enacted in July of 1987 authorizing Indian Tribes to
operate their own AML reclamation programs, while OSM continues to
administer the federal regulatory program for coal mine reclamation on
Indian Lands.       
                              -DOI-
For additional information about the grant contact Hugh White Clay (406)
638-2894.