Alabama Department of Workforce AML Program Advances Community Safety and Environmental Restoration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025

Alabama Department of Workforce AML Program Advances Community Safety and Environmental Restoration

MONTGOMERY, AL - The Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW) Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program continues its mission to enhance safety and restore environments across Alabama by investing federal funds to address hazards left by unregulated coal mining operations prior to 1977. With a robust portfolio of completed, ongoing, and planned projects, the AML Program is making significant strides in revitalizing communities statewide.

In the past year, the AML Program has invested approximately $8.25 million to resolve critical environmental and safety concerns in communities such as Moody, Adger, Vestavia Hills, and West Blocton.

Currently, the program is directing over $20.7 million toward reclamation efforts in Nauvoo, Empire, Irondale, Tuscaloosa, Helena, and West Blocton. These projects tackle dangerous highwalls, hazardous equipment, vertical openings, mine portals, and other legacy mining hazards to ensure safer environments for Alabama's communities.

The AML Program has also issued invitations to bid for reclamation projects in Haleyville and Warrior, alongside a semi-annual maintenance package for recently completed sites in West Blocton, Vestavia Hills, Oakman, Moody, Nauvoo, Ragland, and Adger. These efforts represent an investment of over $1.7 million in our communities and also provide good-paying construction jobs for the citizens of the State.

Looking ahead, the AML Program anticipates investing an additional $11 million by the end of 2025 for design and construction projects in Jasper, Odenville, and Oakman. While three AMLER-funded projects are slated for bidding soon, these are not included in the $11 million projection. All planned bids remain subject to approval.

"Through the AML Program, we are not only addressing the scars left by decades-old mining practices but also investing in the safety and prosperity of Alabama's communities," said Secretary Greg Reed of the Alabama Department of Workforce. "These projects reflect our commitment to transforming hazardous sites into safe, sustainable spaces for current and future generations. We're proud to partner with private landowners as well as local communities to make a lasting impact."

About the Alabama Department of Workforce Abandoned Mine Lands Program
The ADOW AML Program works to reclaim and restore lands affected by pre-1977 coal mining operations, focusing on public safety and the environment. Funded in part by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), the program addresses hazards such as dangerous highwalls, land subsidence, and fires, enhancing community safety, protecting natural resources, and supporting economic revitalization across Alabama.

About the IIJA and OSMRE
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides critical funding to address legacy environmental issues, including abandoned mine reclamation. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) oversees these efforts, partnering with states like Alabama to mitigate hazards and restore impacted lands.

For more information about the AML Program or to stay updated on project developments, contact the Alabama Department of Workforce AML Program at (205) 945-8671 or visit its website at: https://adol.alabama.gov/divisions/inspections/abandoned-mine-land-reclamation/

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