Pennsylvania’s Utilization of the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) IIJA Funding

Policy “add-ons” to accelerate spending the deluge of available funds

This paper summarizes the state procurement and grantmaking processes for Pennsylvania’s use of IIJA AML funds and provides recommendations to help realize the phenomenal opportunity that’s been presented. We do not suggest eliminating or changing any existing structures, but rather adding additional options to accommodate different-sized projects and entities. There is an urgent need to ensure that resources yield the greatest environmental restoration impact. This paper aims to provide actionable solutions within the state’s control to help further advance Pennsylvania’s AML program.