OHIO — Ohio is among 22 states and the Navajo Nation receiving funds from President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda to clean up abandoned mine lands (AML). 

It's the third distribution of funds from the $113.3 billion in AML funding from the Bipartison Insfrastructure Law. The goal is to help communities clean up dangerous environmental conditions and pollution from past coal mining. 

Of the $725 million being awarded, Ohio will receive $46,421,486. The funds will go toward projects like closing dangerous mine shafts, reclaiming unstable slopes, improving water quality by treating acid mine drainage and restoring water supplies damaged by mining, according to the Biden administration. 

Many communities across the U.S. and Ohio were once powered by the coal industry, but now what remains are abandoned mine lands, which the Biden administration said can lead to toxic discharge, as well as fuel underground mine fires and create structural issues. The Biden administration said the funds will help revitalize coal communities "by the jobs created for displaced coal workers, economic opportunity, and clean air and water provided by these cleanup projects."

“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to helping working families, often in rural and Tribal communities, who face hazardous pollution, toxic water levels, and land subsidence both during mining and long after coal companies have moved on,” said Secretary Deb Haaland in a release. “Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are making historic investments to help revitalize local economies and support reclamation jobs that help put people to work in their communities, all while addressing environmental impacts from these legacy developments. These smart investments will build a cleaner, healthier and more just future for communities across the country.”  

To see the full list of states receiving funds, click here.