# OSMRE Awards Pennsylvania Mine Reclamation Project

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) recognized the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with the 2026 Appalachian States Regional Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award for the Forest City East project. Completed in April 2024 at a cost exceeding $3.3 million, this project reclaimed 52.3 acres of abandoned mine land, enhancing environmental safety, public access, and recreational opportunities. Funded through Title IV AML Non-Water Program and the AMLER program, the project demonstrates effective federal-state collaboration in land restoration and resource management.

- The award highlights successful use of federal AML funds for environmental reclamation, signaling continued investment opportunities in similar projects.
- Procurement professionals should note the integration of environmental safety and public access improvements as key project components.
- Contractors specializing in land reclamation, environmental remediation, and public infrastructure may find increased demand in Pennsylvania and other Appalachian states.
- The project underscores the importance of multi-agency coordination, including state environmental departments and commissions, for successful contract execution.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

### Key Quotes
> Pennsylvania continues to lead the way with reclamation projects that make communities safer, improve quality of life and support Americas energy dominance by putting lands and resources back to productive use.
> — Tom Shope, Deputy Director, OSMRE

> It's been wonderful because it's really brought people to this area now, getting the accessibility to the river, just fishing and the outdoors.
> — Dr. Katie Zefran, Secretary, Greater Forest City Industries

### Sources
- [OSMRE Presents Pennsylvania with the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award for the Appalachian States Region | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement](https://www.osmre.gov/news/osmre-presents-pennsylvania-abandoned-mine-land-reclamation-award-appalachian-states-region) - Osmre