Utah can claim millions to close abandoned coal mines

Utah is eligible to receive $4.2 million from the Department of Interior to close abandoned coal mines. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced that more than $395 million in grants is being made available to eligible coal-producing states and Native American tribes. Utah is among 25 states in the country that can use the funding to eliminate safety hazards and generate jobs by closing old mines. State officials estimate there are 17,000 abandoned mines in Utah. Deseret News