KECC Event
AML 2nd Annual Night Golf Scramble
Enjoy 18 holes of golf - 9 holes in daylight & 9 holes in dark
Registration includes golf w/cart, dinner, night golf equipment, and event t-shirt.
If you would like to sponsor this event please contact Stephanie Ellis or Corey Ann Howard at 502-564-2141.
Deadline to register is August 28.
Division of Abandoned Mine Lands Announces Water Supply Project for Knott County
The Department for Natural Resources’ Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) announced today the commencement of construction for the Irishman Creek Phase IV Water Supply Project for Knott County, Kentucky.
Press Release Date: Wednesday, June 03, 2009
AML FEE REAUTHORIZATION APPROVED FOR 15 YEARS
Overview of SMCRA Amendments 2006
Comprehensive legislation reauthorizing the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program under Title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) was passed by the congress on Dec. 9, 2006, and was signed by the president on Dec. 20, 2006. This bill represents the culmination of years of work by the states, federal government and others to address the future of the AML program. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 were contained in the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-342). The new legislation extends federal AML fee collection authority to 2021 at reduced rates and addresses a host of other provisions to the AML program. Once implemented, the new changes in federal law will result in substantial increases in AML funding to states and tribes and focus AML reclamation on projects that benefit public health and safety.
Other notable changes made by the 2006 amendments include:
- AML fee collection extended for 15 years.
- AML fees reduced by 20 percent over the duration of the extension.
- Unappropriated State Share balances paid out to states and tribes over a seven-year period.
- AML allocation formula modified to direct more funds to areas with most historic coal-related problems.
- AML funds distributed annually outside congressional appropriation process.
- Acid Mine Drainage Abatement Set-Aside allotment increased from 10 percent to 30 percent of grant.
- Thirty percent cap on waterline allotment lifted. States no longer limited by cap on waterline funding.
- Lien provisions streamlined.
- Redefines priorities for AML funding.
- Increases and stabilizes funding for the UMWA Combined Benefit Funds.
These changes will result in dramatic and far-reaching effects to the AML program. The states, tribes and federal Office of Surface Mining are working cooperatively to ensure a smooth implementation of the 2006 amendments in a way that benefits the citizens of the nation’s coalfields.
