The agency divided $8,310,504 among 47 US states and the Navajo Nation, a slight increase over the $8.2 million distributed in fiscal 2008.
Kentucky was given $617,956, while West Virginia received $554,548 and the third-largest share, $525,147, went to Pennsylvania.
"Comprehensive education and training for miners is a sound investment," MSHA policy deputy assistant secretary Dr Gregory Wagner said.
"At the Department of Labor, our mantra is ‘good jobs for everyone’. A good job is a safe job, and these grants will enable participating states to work toward a goal that we all share – ensuring every miner returns home safely at the end of every working shift."
Other coal-rich states receiving large amounts are:
Virginia – $264,692
Ohio – $258,797
Illinois – $216,548
Colorado – $207,153
Alabama – $196,415
The grants will be used to provide miner training and retraining as required by federal regulations.
Underground and surface coal and metal/nonmetal mines will benefit from the money, as will workers at shell dredging and surface stone, sand and gravel operations.
All of the states applied for grant funding, which is administered by state mine inspection officers as well as state departments of labor and state-supported colleges and universities, MSHA said, with each recipient tailoring their programs and technical assistance to workers’ needs.
Outlines for the state grant program was included in the Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969, with states first receiving money in 1971.
For a full list of states receiving grants and the mount received, visit the MSHA website.
