REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Economic Development Pilot Project (2020)
The Navajo Nation AML Reclamation Department (NAMLRD) is now accepting applications for funding for environmental cleanup projects focused on economic development or community revitalization project proposals at abandoned mine land locations within Navajo-Tribal trust land.
The funding provides opportunities to transform abandoned mine lands, creating economic opportunity, and transitioning impacted coal communities to a new and brighter future.
NAMLRD strongly encourages Navajo Chapters, Navajo Nation Division and Department and organization planning a project that includes developing or revitalizing abandoned mine land to consider applying for this program.
The AML Pilot funds are to be used “for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in conjunction with economic and community development and reuse goals”.
Completed applications are due by September 30, 2020 (3:00pm)
Submit Application to: AML\UMTRA P.O. Box 1875, Window Rock, AZ 86515
Background
The AML Pilot Project was originally billed as a pilot program for the RECLAIM Act (HR 2156) with the intent of exploring and implementing strategies to return legacy coal sites to productive uses by tying reclamation to economic development end-use projects. This pilot program provides grants from general appropriations of the federal budget to six states and three Tribal Nations – Hopi, Crow and Navajo Nation. The AML Pilot program is administered by state AML programs via the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).
Funding Sources
The AML Pilot Program receives funds exclusively from the federal general treasury through annual appropriations to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
OSMRE has made funding available in the allocated amount to Navajo Nation of $3.3 million dollars.
Documents Required in Application:
| Project must be within an impacted coal community within Tribal Trust Land. |
Land adjacent to un-reclaimed or previously reclaimed AML lands and polluted waters as justified by the state, tribe and/or the community. |
| Complete compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). |
Environmental assessment; Biological and Archaeological Clearances from HPD/NHPO/NNFW/USFW concurrence, wetlands survey, land withdrawal/status and ROW, etc. |
| Project must be construction ready with economic/community nexus demonstrated. |
Provide supporting Chapter resolutions, MOU and/or support letters, procedures used to notify the public (i.e., community meetings, print media, public outreach); along with maps, construction documents and pictures of location. |
| Project description, information and performance measures. |
Describe proposed project goals and objectives, overall timeline, plan of action, scope of work, list of stakeholders, and project milestone. |
| Budget estimate of available funding and allocation of AML funds. |
Provide a detailed architectural cost estimate, construction cost, a budget justification of how the AML funds will be used, and leveraging of other funding sources. |
Project Guidance
Read the Guidance for Project Eligibility Under the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Economic Development Pilot Program document.
https://www.osmre.gov/resources/grants/docs/FY19_amlPilotGuidance_ProjectEligibility.pdf
Read the report on the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Economic Development Pilot Program (AML Pilot Program) for FY 2016 – FY 2018.
https://www.osmre.gov/programs/AML/2016_2018_Annual_Report_AML_Economic_Development_Pilot_Program.pdf
Helpful Documents Needed in Pilot Project Application - Click Here
2020 AML Pilot Project Press Release - Click Here
For more information, please contact:
Rose Grey, Program Manager II, (505) 368-1221
Melvin Yazzie, Principal Mining Engineer, (505) 369-1224
Marietta Jensen, Programs & Projects Specialist, (928) 871-6584
Email: aml@navajo-nsn.gov