Bill > HB285

This bill, known as the Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act, establishes a grant program to support economic and workforce development in areas of Alabama significantly affected by coal mining, particularly on federal lands. It creates a dedicated fund, the Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act Fund, which will be financed by rent and royalties from federal coal lease sales in the state starting after January 1, 2027. The bill defines "coal-impacted communities" broadly to include areas where coal is mined on federal lands, where a significant workforce is employed in such mining, or where economic impacts have been felt due to the decline of these operations, specifically designating Fayette, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Walker Counties as such communities. The program will be administered by the Secretary of the Department of Workforce, with an advisory committee composed of representatives from various levels of government and the mining industry to review grant applications and ensure community input. Grant funds can be used for workforce training, community improvement initiatives, infrastructure projects, and supporting the Alabama Surface Mining Commission. Importantly, revenues from federal coal lease sales will be distributed with the first million dollars going to the State General Fund, the next $500,000 to the Alabama State Port Authority for the McDuffie Coal Terminal, and $250,000 to the Alabama Surface Mining Commission, with all remaining revenues directed to the new fund for grants.

Budget and Finance

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