The Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Program (AMDATP) is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. This program is designed to address the severe environmental issue of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD), which affects over 5,500 miles of streams in Pennsylvania. Funded through Act 13 of 2012 and the Marcellus Legacy Fund, AMDATP aims to restore impaired streams, remove them from the state’s Impaired Waters list, and support the use of treated AMD in oil and gas development.
The program funds projects that involve the construction of AMD treatment systems, repair and maintenance of existing systems, monitoring of water quality, AML reclamation, and innovative research. Grants can also be used to establish long-term operation and maintenance trust funds, particularly for passive treatment systems.
Eligible applicants include municipalities, councils of governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, watershed organizations, and for-profit businesses, except natural gas producers. Each project requires a 15% cash or real estate-based match. The match may be documented through funds or appraised property, and must directly support the project.
Funding awards may not exceed $1,000,000, and project expenses are reimbursable only if incurred during the grant agreement period. A $100 non-refundable application fee is required. Applicants must submit their proposals electronically via the PA Single Application for Assistance portal at grants.pa.gov between February 1 and May 31 each year.
Applications must include multiple exhibits such as project descriptions, cost estimates, conceptual designs, maps, permits, planning letters, match commitment letters, and resolutions. Projects will be evaluated by the CFA based on cost, strategic importance, and environmental impact. If selected, applicants have 45 days to sign the grant agreement, and funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis at minimum 30-day intervals.
Inquiries should be directed to the CFA at ra-dcedsitedvpt@pa.gov or (717) 787-6245. Technical assistance for the application platform is available through the DCED’s Customer Service Center.
