The U.S. Department of the Interior allocated about $291.3 million for 25 coal-producing states and three tribes to reclaim and repurpose abandoned coal mines, according to a March 19 release.

The reclamation fund was granted through the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

Abandoned mine-land reclamation grants aim to stabilize and restore coal communities and protect the lives of the residents, DOI Acting Secretary David Bernhardt said in the release.

For fiscal year 2019, Wyoming was allocated the largest grant of $87.8 million, followed by Pennsylvania with $53.8 million. The authority to collect reclamation fees is expected to expire in September 2021, unless extended.

In 2018, eligible states and tribes received $300.7 million.