CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — Gov. Jim Justice announced today the recommendation of 12 Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program projects that will utilize $28.6 million in federal grant funding for economic development at abandoned mine land sites across the state.
“The dollars we’ve invested to revive our abandoned mines are helping transform West Virginia’s tourism economy,” Gov. Justice said. “These lands are now becoming a whole new kind of treasure—tourism spots and job hubs. We’re taking the beautiful land God gave us here in West Virginia and using it to show the world why we’re one of the top tourist destinations around.”
Grant applications were evaluated by a committee of representatives from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), the West Virginia Department of Commerce, the West Virginia Department of Transportation, and the Governor’s Office. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) must also give final approval of the projects and amounts awarded.
Gov. Justice recently announced AMLER funding for the Wheeling Gateway Center project in Ohio County and Mylan Park’s RV KOA Resort and Campground Phase II Project in Monongalia County.
To qualify, the proposed economic development projects must be located on or adjacent to mine sites that ceased operations prior to the signing of the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act on August 3, 1977.
View map of AML sites in West Virginia
Administered by the WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation, the AMLER program has committed over $233 million in grant funding to assist projects all across the West Virginia coalfields, since 2016.
“These AMLER projects demonstrate our commitment to turning the environmental challenges of abandoned mine lands into economic opportunities that benefit communities across West Virginia,” said WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward. “By repurposing these sites, we not only restore the land but also create sustainable tourism, recreational, and business development opportunities that can revitalize local economies for generations to come.”
The recommended projects include:
Fayette County
Adventures West Virginia – $3,000,000
The project proposes to construct a four-story rope course featuring an event deck on its top level, a river-themed miniature golf course, volleyball court, and a pickleball court at Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing. Additionally, this project would extend the Rendezvous River Lodge and create a retail area, pool, and check-in area.
Kanawha County
Air Raid Bike Park Phase II – $1,225,000
This project aims to further develop the Air Raid Bike Park, which will be located in West Virginia’s Gravity Adventure Park in Clendenin. Gravity Adventure Park is currently under development as a world-class, family friendly outdoor tourist destination in the state, providing a variety of thrilling recreational activities. This inclusive park is designed to accommodate both able-bodied and disabled individuals.
Logan County
White Mountain Lodging – $1,549,667.00
An expansion and second phase of the current Rising Estates Trail Lodging Project, this project will add three new luxury cabins, five new glamping sites and create an upgraded access road with infrastructure that can be the location of numerous future cabin and glamping sites.
Mingo County
Cumberland Village – $1,950,000
The Cumberland Village project aims to offer a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and entertainment experience in southern West Virginia. The Village will provide the nearby Hatfield-McCoy Trail System riders with alternative entertainment and lodging options and will be tailored to attract outdoor-loving tourists with varying interests. Initial plans include a restaurant, general store, RV camp sites, cabin rentals, putt-putt golf course, go-kart track, petting zoo, and an airplane/car museum.
Monongalia County
Mylan Park’s RV KOA Resort and Campground Phase II Project – $1,000,000
The project will be Phase II of the KOA RV Campground & Resort which involves the construction of 26 modular Lancaster Log Cabins and the paving of interior campground roads.
Nicholas County
Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail – $1,298,000
The Cranberry Tr-Rivers Trail project in Richwood will improve 16 miles of rail trail and install additional infrastructure, including a campground, picnic shelter, trail kiosk, and playground.
Ohio County
Wheeling Gateway Center – $4,400,000
The Wheeling Gateway Center project proposes to transform the Knights Inn property into a new 20,000 square-foot visitors center. The Gateway Center will include a heritage museum, event center, and office space, along with retail stores, a marquee restaurant, and grand outdoor plazas. The Gateway will be located at the foot of the historic and now-restored Wheeling Suspension Bridge on Main Street in the heart of downtown, overlooking the Ohio River connected to the Wheeling Heritage Trail.
Preston County
TAZ Site Development – $3,957,000
This project includes the purchase of property and an approximately 12,000 square-foot building near Bruceton Mills and the extension of sanitary sewer and natural gas to the site for future development.
Raleigh County
Clear Fork Rail Trail II – $4,450,000
This project includes construction of approximately 9.73 miles of multi-use, recreational rail trail.
Tucker County
National Youth Science Academy: Davis Campus – $2,337,000
The National Youth Science Academy will build housing for 150 campers and staff at its Davis Campus, to expand its capacity to offer year-round STEAM educational programming.
Wayne County
Rustic Ravines Lodging & Tourism Attraction Plan – $1,500,000
This project will provide upgrades and additions to Rustic Ravines in Genoa, including 75 full-service RV sites, 20 tent sites (with electric), a new shower house, two deluxe tree house cabins, five A-frame cabins, deluxe cabins, pool, concession stand, restroom area, splash pads, water slides, hiking trails, ATV trails, horseback riding, and an uphill fitness run/challenge.
Wyoming County
The Landing Strip – $2,000,000
This project will service the local ATV Trail systems by building 37 high-quality, fully equipped cabins with utilities, a maintenance building, and an activity barn.
TOTAL RECOMMENDED FOR ALL PROJECTS: $28,666,667
