The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), Section 411 was added to implement Public Facility Projects (PFP) and as amended in 2006, authorizes the Program to use the Navajo Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funds for PFP's. The Navajo AML Program now has the responsibility to manage PFP's as authorized in SMCRA and the Navajo Reclamation Code and Plan.
Applicants may request up to $400,000 of PFP grant funds for Navajo communities directly impacted by present and past coal or other mineral mining activities on the Navajo Nation.
The project grant funds are competitive awards for innovative, community-based projects with leverage funds for CONSTRUCTION of public facility projects to benefit the community. Eligible applicants include Chapters, Navajo Nation Departments, and entities with a supporting chapter resolution.