Kentucky Offers $29.5M in AMLER Grants to Revitalize Coal Communities

Governor Beshear encourages applications for economic development projects on former mine lands

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Kentucky government is making $29.5 million in Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grants available this year to support economic and community development projects in areas historically reliant on coal mining. The program, established in 2016, aims to leverage former mine lands to create new opportunities and diversify local economies.

Why it matters

As coal mining has declined in Kentucky, many communities have struggled to adapt and find new sources of economic growth. The AMLER program provides crucial funding to help these areas transform former mine sites into new engines of development, whether through workforce training, tourism, industrial projects, or other initiatives.

The details

The AMLER program will now extend eligibility to coal communities in both eastern and western Kentucky, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting economic diversification across the state. Past grants have financed a range of projects, from strengthening workforce development to boosting tourism and spurring industrial growth. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a clear economic benefit and connection to pre-1982 coal mining activities.

  • The application deadline for the 2026 AMLER grants is May 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
  • The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet is hosting virtual and in-person assistance sessions for potential applicants on March 19, March 26, April 9, and April 16.

The players

Governor Andy Beshear

The governor of Kentucky who is encouraging communities to apply for the AMLER grants.

U.S. Rep. Harold 'Hal' Rogers

The congressman who established the AMLER program in 2016 to support economic development in coal-reliant areas.

Rebecca Goodman

The secretary of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, which is overseeing the AMLER grant program.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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