BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has been awarded a $617,648 grant to establish a coal combustion residual (CCR) state program., Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, both R-ND, announced Friday.

The grant will be used to make database improvements, including establishing an online portal for CCR facilities to submit required documentation.

“North Dakota is a leader in harnessing its abundant lignite energy reserves, providing an important energy source for our state and nation,” Hoeven said. “This grant will help our state in efforts to better manage and recycle coal byproducts.”