Congressman Rogers Advances $35 Million for Coal Country Economic Revitalization Projects & Infrastructure

This press release from Representative Harold Rogers (R-KY) was published on 2026-06-04 and titled "Congressman Rogers Advances $35 Million for Coal Country Economic Revitalization Projects & Infrastructure".

Congressman Rogers Advances $35 Million for Coal Country Economic Revitalization Projects & Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced $35 million for Kentucky projects passed a critical hurdle on Wednesday after being approved by the House Appropriations Committee in the fiscal year 2027 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. The federal funding bill invests in key infrastructure projects, champions American energy dominance, strengthens national security, reins in burdensome red tape and slashes unnecessary EPA funding. "This bill includes big wins for Eastern Kentucky, by creating jobs and spurring economic development where it's needed the most, improving our water and wastewater systems, and protecting some of life's simple joys, like hunting and fishing on federal lands," said Congressman Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee . "We're putting former coal mine lands back into productive use with innovative projects across Kentucky's Appalachian region, ensuring that the future gets brighter every day in the mountains." Coal country will also be infused with another round of funding in the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant program , first created by Congressman Rogers in 2016. The AMLER grant program will receive $135 million, including $29 million for Kentucky alone . It includes four of Congressman Rogers' Community Project Funding requests for 2027: $1.5 million for the Knott County Water and Sewer System Improvements Project , which will modernize water and wastewater treatment operations for homes, schools and businesses. $1.5 million for the U.S. 150 Corridor Waterline Project , to build a transmission line through Lincoln County to support water reliability and industrial growth. $1.5 million for the Pikeville Wastewater and Water Infrastructure Modernization Project , to replace corroded infrastructure in a major regional water supply hub. $1.5 million for the Middlesboro Wastewater System Improvements Project , which will expand capacity and modify the current wastewater treatment plant. Kentucky's rural counties with federal land will also benefit from the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program , which is fully funded with $650 million. The bill now moves on for a vote in the House. For more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media . Bill Text