This has resulted in a significant cost reduction, coupled with a crucial infusion of new federal funding from the Obama administration, to allow the project to proceed.

Now, DEP can finally award a contract to reclaim this unsightly and hazardous abandoned coal refuse pile, extinguish the fire and greatly reduce stream pollution.

Plus, our reclamation plans include improved drainage, tree plantings and the development of a recreational park on a portion of the site, due to its location along the Path of the Flood Trail, commemorating the 1889 Johnstown Flood.

An extremely important benefit of this project is that the contract that we are awarding enables Rosebud Mining to recall 40 recently laid-off miners to complete the reclamation work. It leverages significant federal funding for investment in a community a and in jobs that pay for working families a that needs it most.

A majority of the funding for this project is provided throughA PennsylvaniaasA 2016 federal Abandoned Mine Land Grant, derived from a fee on coal production.

And it involves collaboration with community partners. DEP is working with local legislators, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, the Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project, the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Forest Hills Regional Alliance, Ehrenfeld Borough, Croyle Township,A South Fork BoroughA and the American Chestnut Foundation.

The Ehrenfeld project is the epitome of government that works.