The following is a release from Floyd County Schools
The Floyd County Area Technology Center (ATC) is thrilled to announce its receipt of the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program Grant. This prestigious grant, presented at the 2024 SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) summit, will support initiatives that repurpose legacy coal mining sites for productive, community-focused use, contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy.
Since its inception in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, the AMLER Program (formerly known as the AML Pilot Program) has been funded by Congress to help economically revitalize coalfield areas. The program, administered by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), seeks to convert legacy mine lands into beneficial assets that stimulate economic growth and community engagement. The grant awarded to the Floyd County ATC will allow the center to foster skill development and create new opportunities that directly benefit the local economy.
Dr. Jeff Shannon, Principal of the Floyd County ATC, expressed the importance of the award: “Receiving this grant will have such a positive economic impact on Floyd County and surrounding areas. These upgrades empower our Floyd ATC students to reach their training goals and fill the many skill trades positions in our region.”
Floyd County Interim Superintendent Larry Hammond highlighted the significance of the grant for the region: “This funding represents a tremendous opportunity for Floyd County and the greater Appalachian region. The Floyd County ATC will now be able to further its mission to prepare students for careers that contribute to the economic resilience of our community. We are excited to see the positive impact that this grant will have for generations to come.”
The AMLER Program’s support is a testament to the Floyd County Area Technology Center’s dedication to fostering sustainable economic growth and education. This grant will play a pivotal role in aligning the ATC’s training programs with the region’s economic needs, reinforcing its position as a vital community asset.