WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. The funding legislation provides $134 million for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, delivering critical resources to help states repurpose former coal-mining sites through economic and community development. Congressman Comer successfully secured language allowing Western Kentucky counties to become eligible for AMLER grants, opening the door for coalfield counties in Western Kentucky to reclaim abandoned mine lands and spur new economic development.
“The passage of this Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package is a real victory for Western Kentucky’s coal communities. After years of working to make Western Kentucky counties eligible for AMLER grants, I’m proud to say that goal has finally been achieved. This bill ensures Kentucky’s First Congressional District has a seat at the table, giving our counties the chance to be considered for federal funding to reclaim abandoned mine sites, attract new investment, and build a stronger economic future. I’m grateful to Representative Hal Rogers for his leadership on the AMLER program and for working with me to bring relief and new opportunity to coal communities across Western Kentucky,” said Congressman Comer.
Established in 2016, the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program is designed to return former coal-mining sites to productive use through economic and community development. However, 11 coal-producing counties in Western Kentucky have been ineligible for AMLER funding. Language championed by Rep. James Comer and Rep. Hal Rogers encourages the state to now factor in geographic proportionality when awarding AMLER grants, ensuring Western Kentucky communities have a fair chance to compete for federal funding.
Steve Henry, Webster County Judge Executive: “Today’s passage of the AMLER bill for the Western Kentucky coalfield is one of the most significant pieces of federal legislation for our region in years. This legislation will finally allow us to pursue economic and community development opportunities that were previously unattainable. Chairman James Comer has worked tirelessly over the past eight years to ensure our region could access this much needed funding. Congressman Hal Rogers, who represents Kentucky’s Fifth District, originally championed this program in 2016, and thanks to his vision and leadership, meaningful assistance is now reaching rural coal communities.”
Adam O’Nan, Union County Judge Executive: “We are extremely grateful and excited that the AML funding that has been available to Eastern KY will now include West KY as well. Congressman Rogers has been a champion of the AML funding for years and we thank him for his efforts and Congressman Comer for working tirelessly to get his West KY coal counties included. Many projects that will be helpful to our area now have a great chance of funding!”
Jack Whitfield, Hopkins County Judge Executive: “For years, the reclamation needs of Western Kentucky have been used to justify the level of funding the Commonwealth receives, yet Western Kentucky has traditionally been unable to access Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization funding. That is now changing. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Congressman Hal Rogers, and Congressman James Comer, and their work on a critical budget Bill, all Western Kentucky coalfield counties will become eligible for AMLER funding. The coalfield counties of Western Kentucky greatly appreciate and applaud their leadership and commitment.”
“The passage of this Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package is a real victory for Western Kentucky’s coal communities. After years of working to make Western Kentucky counties eligible for AMLER grants, I’m proud to say that goal has finally been achieved. This bill ensures Kentucky’s First Congressional District has a seat at the table, giving our counties the chance to be considered for federal funding to reclaim abandoned mine sites, attract new investment, and build a stronger economic future. I’m grateful to Representative Hal Rogers for his leadership on the AMLER program and for working with me to bring relief and new opportunity to coal communities across Western Kentucky,” said Congressman Comer.
Established in 2016, the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program is designed to return former coal-mining sites to productive use through economic and community development. However, 11 coal-producing counties in Western Kentucky have been ineligible for AMLER funding. Language championed by Rep. James Comer and Rep. Hal Rogers encourages the state to now factor in geographic proportionality when awarding AMLER grants, ensuring Western Kentucky communities have a fair chance to compete for federal funding.
Steve Henry, Webster County Judge Executive: “Today’s passage of the AMLER bill for the Western Kentucky coalfield is one of the most significant pieces of federal legislation for our region in years. This legislation will finally allow us to pursue economic and community development opportunities that were previously unattainable. Chairman James Comer has worked tirelessly over the past eight years to ensure our region could access this much needed funding. Congressman Hal Rogers, who represents Kentucky’s Fifth District, originally championed this program in 2016, and thanks to his vision and leadership, meaningful assistance is now reaching rural coal communities.”
Adam O’Nan, Union County Judge Executive: “We are extremely grateful and excited that the AML funding that has been available to Eastern KY will now include West KY as well. Congressman Rogers has been a champion of the AML funding for years and we thank him for his efforts and Congressman Comer for working tirelessly to get his West KY coal counties included. Many projects that will be helpful to our area now have a great chance of funding!”
Jack Whitfield, Hopkins County Judge Executive: “For years, the reclamation needs of Western Kentucky have been used to justify the level of funding the Commonwealth receives, yet Western Kentucky has traditionally been unable to access Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization funding. That is now changing. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Congressman Hal Rogers, and Congressman James Comer, and their work on a critical budget Bill, all Western Kentucky coalfield counties will become eligible for AMLER funding. The coalfield counties of Western Kentucky greatly appreciate and applaud their leadership and commitment.”