RICHMOND, Va. (WJHL) — Over $11 million in federal funds have been allocated for economic growth in Southwest Virginia through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) initiative.

The funding was announced on Thursday by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Morgan Griffith.

The Virginia Department of Energy is accepting applications for the ninth round of funding under the AMLER program. Applications are due by Dec. 18.

“Virginia flourishes when all regions are equipped with the resources necessary for development,” Youngkin stated in a release. “This financial support pays tribute to Southwest Virginia’s mining heritage by focusing on its economic future through projects aimed at building infrastructure, creating jobs, and rejuvenating its communities.”

The AMLER program helps transform former mining sites into economic assets like industrial parks and tourist destinations.

More information about the program can be found on Virginia Energy’s website.