Tennessee Code Title 59. Mines and Mining § 59-8-213

(a) In the reclamation of land affected by surface mining, the commissioner may utilize any services which may be provided by other state or local agencies or by agencies of the federal government, and may compensate them for such service. The commissioner may also receive any federal funds, state funds, or any other funds for the reclamation of land affected by surface mining. The commissioner may cause the reclamation and revegetation work to be done by employees of the commissioner's department or by employees of other governmental agencies or through contracts with qualified persons. Such contracts shall be awarded to the lowest or best bidder upon competitive bids after reasonable advertisement.

(b) Any funds available to the commissioner and any public works program may be used and expended to reclaim any lands that have been subjected to surface mining that have not been reclaimed in accordance with standards set by this part or regulations thereunder and which are not covered by bond to guarantee such reclamation.