Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The North Dakota Public Service Commission received a $3.1M formula grant from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) under the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation (AMLR) Program (CFDA 15.252), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. This award is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which appropriated $11.293 billion to address environmental and safety hazards from legacy coal mining operations. The grant distributes approximately $725M annually across eligible states and tribes over a 15-year period.

Under this award, North Dakota will conduct abandoned coal mine land reclamation activities consistent with its approved state reclamation plan, including closure of dangerous mine openings, treatment of acid mine drainage, landscape restoration, and remediation of groundwater contamination from legacy mining. Allowable costs encompass direct reclamation activities, support services and equipment, and development of plan amendments. The program prioritizes abating physical hazards that threaten public health, safety, and the environment, while supporting local community economic development goals and employment opportunities for current and former coal industry workers. All activities must align with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) requirements and be documented through OSMRE's oversight protocols.