Applications sought for WVa abandoned mine site projects Associated Press 3/10/2021 CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Applications are being accepted for grants available for economic development projects near abandoned mine sites in West Virginia, the state Department of Environmental Protection said. Federal funding of $25 million is available for the projects and is administered by the Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation Pilot Program, the department said in a news release. Projects must be located on or adjacent to mine sites that did not operate after Aug. 3, 1977. The program has committed $130 million to assist with projects throughout the West Virginia coalfields, the release said.