SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The state of Illinois has asked residents for feedback surrounding recent funding from President Biden for abandoned mine reclamation.Ìý
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) first announced the funding on August 6. This is the second year Illinois has received money through Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IDNR says the $75.7 million awarded to the state will focus on 40 mines across Illinois that were abandoned on or before Aug. 3, 1977.
Residents of Illinois are asked to email Lane Range with the IDNR at [email protected] with comments or suggestions. Interested parties will have until September 20 to have their input by the IDNR.
Along with the announcement of the funding, Illinois provided a list of possible projects the department may chose to target with the money. Below is a list of the mines optioned in the Southern Illinois region:
- Franklin County -- Ward Mine: opening and corrections of hazardous equipment
- Gallatin County --
- National Mining: Reclamation to eliminate dangerous highwall
- Peabody Bridge: Reclamation to address bridge
- Jackson County -- Tab Simco Bioretor Rebuild No. 2: Reclamation work will improve the water affected by acid.Ìý
- Williamson County --Â
- Veteran's Airport: Reclamation work will address dangerous piles, embankments and spoil areas
- Wenezel Brothers Surface Mine:Â Dangerous highwalls and embankments will be addressed
- Carterville Coal Co. - Reclamation activities will address openings.
- Amax Nixville Bridge - Reclamation will address bridge.
- Delta Collieries Tecumseh - Acid mine drainage and clogged stream lands will be addressed.
- Bluebird Turner - Hazardous equipment and facilities and remaining gob material will be reclaimed.
The full list of mines targeted for repair from the IDNR is available on .Ìý
