(a) The Department is authorized to develop a reclamation plan in accordance with the provisions of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977,¹ and to submit such plan to the federal government for approval pursuant to that Act.

(b) Subsequent to federal approval of the reclamation plan, the Department may apply for and accept any and all funds available for reclamation, and shall administer them in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle. Such funds may be used for all costs related to elimination of the adverse effects of past coal mining practices, including but not limited to, planning and engineering costs, costs of plans, specifications, surveys, investigations and feasibility studies, construction and inspection costs, actual operation and maintenance costs of permanent facilities, and all administrative expenses.