Governor Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Morgan Griffith have announced the selection of five projects in Southwest Virginia to receive funding through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program. The federally funded initiative is designed to transform former coal mining sites into sources of economic growth and community improvement.
“Southwest Virginia’s strength comes from its people and its ability to adapt,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “By transforming lands impacted by mining into new opportunities, the AMLER program is helping to create jobs, attract visitors, and build infrastructure that ensures our coalfield communities contribute to and benefit from Virginia’s economic growth.”
Congressman Morgan Griffith highlighted the impact of the program on local communities. “For years, AMLER has helped eliminate hazards and transform lands in our coalfield communities into engines of economic opportunity, making it one of the most effective programs serving Southwest Virginia,” he said. “I’m proud to have supported AMLER’s mission over the years, and this new round of projects reflects a continued commitment to strengthening our region’s economy and quality of life.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura emphasized statewide benefits: “The Youngkin administration is driving growth in every corner of Virginia, and AMLER is a powerful tool in that mission. Redeveloping former mine lands creates the conditions for long-term investment, stronger infrastructure, and a more resilient economy for the entire Commonwealth.”
Virginia Energy Director Glenn Davis noted collaboration as key: “AMLER brings together public and private partners to develop on or near legacy mining sites into engines for growth and safety. It’s a model of how collaboration can turn our mining heritage into long-term opportunity.”
Senator Todd Pillion pointed out improvements in community spaces: “Strong communities need strong foundations. AMLER is revitalizing our parks, trails, and gathering spaces — investments that make daily life better for families across Southwest Virginia.”
Senator Travis Hackworth reflected on changing land use: “Coal once fueled the growth of our towns, but it also left behind land without a clear future. AMLER is changing that story. By turning those sites into new destinations for recreation, business, and housing, we’re proving that stewardship of the land can also drive prosperity.”
Delegate Terry Kilgore spoke about infrastructure needs: “If we want Southwest Virginia to compete, we must have modern infrastructure and the services that employers look for. AMLER is helping us deliver both, giving our workforce and our communities the foundation to succeed.”
Delegate Will Morefield described lasting impacts: “What excites me about AMLER is that these aren’t short-term fixes — they’re long-term investments. Years from now, families will still be hiking these trails, businesses will still be operating in these centers, and communities will still be benefiting from projects that started with this program.”
The AMLER program in Virginia is managed by the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) with funding provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury directly to the Commonwealth. Since 2017 when Virginia began receiving funds under this initiative—overseen by federal authorities—50 projects have been recommended for support within Appalachian coalfield counties where mining took place before 1977. The state remains one among six states plus three tribes selected nationally each year for participation.
