Under the federal mine safety and health act of 1977, as amended (mine act), the secretary of labor, through the mine safety and health administration (MSHA), is directed to improve, expand, and…

Under the federal mine safety and health act of 1977, as amended (mine act), the secretary of labor, through the mine safety and health administration (MSHA), is directed to improve, expand, and promote health and safety training programs in cooperation with educational institutions, states, operators, industry, and safety associations. 30 U.S.C. 801(G)(4), 951-53, and 962. Under sections 501(C) and 502(a) of the mine act, MSHA may award a cooperative agreement, which is a type of grant. 30 U.S.C. 951(C) and 952(a). Further, MSHA is specifically authorized to recognize the joseph a. Holmes safety association as a principal safety association and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, may provide funds and, with or without reimbursement, personnel, including service of mine safety and health administration officials as officers in local chapters or in the national organization