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The document discusses the history of abandoned mine land reclamation efforts in Western Pennsylvania from the 1970s through the 1990s. It notes that initially, no state AML funds were allocated to Western PA and instead went to the anthracite region. Four conservation districts in Somerset, Cambria, Westmoreland, and Bedford counties advocated for more funding for reclamation projects in Western PA through programs like RAMP. The first RAMP project in the nation was completed in 1979 in Bedford County. Between 1979 and 1993, seven other RAMP projects were completed in the Broad Top coal field. An organization called the Western PA Coalition for AML Reclamation was formed and funding was secured for a staff person through meetings with the EPA. With
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- 1. In the beginning there was AML. No state AML funds allocated to W.Pa. All funds wentto anthracite region. DER Mineral Resource Deputate, Dick Belecki, would not consider AML projects in W. Pa. SCS-RAMP (RuralAbandoned Mine Program) was availablefor AML projects but had limited funding. Jim Gettinger, SCS, supported getting RAMP funding for W.Pa AML projects. Four Conservation Districts (CD,s) were involved earlySomerset, Cambria, Westmoreland and Bedford counties. They supported and actively worked to increase funding for RAMP and to push for state funding for AML projects in W. Pa. In 1979 thefirst RAMP project in the nation closed a mine opening and removed a concrete tipple at the Church of God site in Six Mile Run, Bedford County. Between 1979 & 1993 seven other RAMP projectwere completed in the Broad Top coal field. The Church of God projectin Six Mile Run changed residents attitudes. In 1996 thefirst Bureau of Abandoned Mine (BAMR) projectin the Broad Top coal field was completed. The W.Pa Coalition for AML Reclamation was formed by a number of W. Pa CD.s and Mark Killer was hired as 1st staff person. Therewere problems finding funding for his position. DER Water Resources Deputate Caron Glotfelty arranged a meeting with EPA. DER CAC Mike Krempasky, BernieHoffnar and Caron Glotfelty met with EPA and convinced them to fund a staff position for the W.Pa. coalition. The W.Pa. coalition contacted SCS Ron Phillips to determine if there was interest in E. Pa. to forma coalition. There was interest and funding was provided by EPA for a staff personRobertHughes.
- 2. With 2 active coalitions working toward the same ends and with DEP cooperation and Growing Greener funding much has been accomplished. Our communities are much improved, they are more livable and are much more enjoyableplaces to live and raisea family. And the rest is history.