(a) The purpose of this part is to set forth the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) rules and regulations to carry out the Rural Abandoned Mine Program under section 406, Pub. L. 95-87; 91 Stat. 460 (30 U.S.C. 1236).

(b) The Rural Abandoned Mine Program:

(1) Through the NRCS delivery system, assists land users to voluntarily develop reclamation plans and apply conservation treatment for the reclamation, conservation, and development of eligible coal-mined lands and water, and

(2) Provides cost sharing through long-term contracts according to an approved reclamation plan, to land users for establishing land use and conservation treatment on these lands.