CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – The federal government says Wyoming is eligible for more than $117 million in Abandoned Mine Land payments during the current fiscal year.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced funding levels for states in the program.

Taxes on coal production fund the AML program. Funding levels for states and American Indian tribes are based on past and present coal-mining activity.

This year, Wyoming’s congressional delegation and others defeated an Obama administration proposal to eliminate AML payments to states like Wyoming that have completed or made plans to complete their coal reclamation work.

Wyoming has used AML funds for coal reclamation projects, but also has funneled millions into other projects such as coal gasification research and higher education funding.

States must apply for their share of the funding, which is distributed through grants.

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