To fund local organizations and not-for-profit groups
that undertake local acid mine drainage (AMD) reclamation projects.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
To assist local organizations especially watershed
groups to begin actual construction projects to clean streams impacted by AMD.
Lands and water eligible for reclamation or drainage abatement expenditures
under Section 404 of Public Law 95-87 are those which were mined for coal or
which were affected by such mining, wastebanks, coal processing, or other coal
mining processes, except as provided for under Section 411 of Public Law
95-87, prior to August 3, 1977, and for which there is no continuing
reclamation responsibility under State or other Federal laws. For other
provisions relating to lands and waters eligible for such expenditures, see
Section 402(g)(4), Section 403(b)(1), and Section 409 of Public Law 95-87.
Surface coal mining operations on lands eligible for re-mining shall not affect
the eligibility of such lands for reclamation and restoration under this title
after the release of the bond or deposit for any such operation as provided
under Section 509. In the event the bond or deposit for a surface coal mining
operation on lands eligible for re-mining is forfeited, funds available under
this title may be used if the amount of such bond or deposit is not sufficient
to provide for adequate reclamation or abatement, except that if conditions
warrant, the secretary shall immediately exercise his authority under Section
410.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility: Primary
recipients must be not-for-profit, established organizations. Federal, State,
local governments, colleges, and universities are not eligible to receive
funding directly.
Beneficiary Eligibility:
Communities impacted by streams polluted by acid mine drainage will benefit
from this program.
Credentials/Documentation:
Proof of not-for-profit (IRS 501(c)(3) status is required of nonprofit
organizations and institutions. A State certification of project eligibility
is required.
Pre-application Coordination:
Pre-application is not required. This program is eligible for coverage under
E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An
applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point
of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State
requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected
the program for review.
Application Procedure: The
standard application forms furnished by the Federal agency and required by 43
CFR Part 12, Subpart F, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other
Non-Profit Organizations," must be used for this program. Please contact
the appropriate Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM)
Regional/Field Office for details listed in the Catalog Address Appendix IV.
Award Procedure: Approval
is made by OSM Director or designee.
Deadlines: Applications for
fiscal year 2002 awards will be accepted until all available funds have been
awarded.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:
From 60 to 90 days.
Appeals: Not applicable.
Renewals: Not applicable.
ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching Requirements:
This program has no statutory formula. Partners are encouraged to make
monetary contributions or provide in-kind services.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:
The cooperative agreements have a performance period of 2 years.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports: Financial and
programmatic reports are required quarterly.
Audits: In accordance with
the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997),
"Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations,
nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in
Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for
that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in
Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year,
except as noted in Circular No. A-133, Section 3052.215(a) and Section
3052.235.
Records: Records will be
maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart
F," Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit
Organizations".
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Account Identification:
14-5015-0-1-302.
Obligations: (Grants) FY 01
$2,743,950; FY 02 est $2,744,000; and FY 03 est $2,744,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $5,000 to $100,000.
Restored polluted streams affected by acid mine drainage
to a safe level for drinking and recreational activities.
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977,
Section 404, Public Law 95-87.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: See
Catalog Appendix IV.
Headquarters Office: Office
of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior,
1951 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20240. Contact: Gene Krueger,
Chief, Division of Reclamation Support. Telephone: (202) 208-5365. Use the
same number for FTS.
Web Site Address: http://www.osmre.gov
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
Not applicable.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
Section 404 of Public Law 95-87, State certification of
eligibility is required. No opposition to the project from the State Abandoned
Mine Land (AML) agency. All applicable Federal and State clearances and
permits must be secured. The project should propose to use proven or
innovative technology that has a high probability of success and produce
tangible results, e.g., fishery restored, stream miles improved, educational
and community benefits, pollutants removed from the streams. Funds must be
used for the construction phase of a project and there must be demonstrated
public support for the project. Also, there must be a plan to address any
ongoing operation/maintenance considerations.
