The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-486) added additional technical permitting services to the list of items eligible for funding under the Small Operator Assistance Program. The new services include engineering analyses and design necessary for hydrologic impact determination, cross-section maps and plans, geologic drilling, archaeological and historical information, plans required for the protection of fish and wildlife habitat and other environmental values, and pre-blast surveys. The program has always funded the hydrologic and geologic data collection and analyses required as part of the probable hydrologic consequences determination and statement of overburden analysis.

Small Operator Assistance Program regulations (30 CFR 795) place program responsibility with the states that have Office of Surface Mining approved permanent surface mining programs. In states with federal programs, the Office of Surface Mining operates the Small Operator Assistance Program. In 2002, 107 small mine operators received assistance, compared to 79 in 2001, and 121 in 2000. A graph of Small Operator Assistance Program grant obligations from 1978-1999 and a table providing a breakdown of the 2002 grant awards by state are also available.

For additional information about the Program or applying for a grant contact the local regulatory authority in your state.