West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and DEP Secretary Harold Ward recently announced nearly $26 million in federal grants aimed at boosting economic development through six major projects, revitalizing the state’s abandoned mine land.
As per a report, DEP spokesman Terry Fletcher highlighted that the program is administered by the Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation, with funds from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
Fletcher said, “These projects all over the state are reclaiming abandoned mine lands, putting them to use for our communities, and cleaning up the environment at the same time.”
Among the projects announced last week for AMLER funding is the Cinderella Adventure Resort in Mingo County, which is set to receive over $3 million. The 4,600-acre project will develop a comprehensive outdoor recreation hub, including a restaurant-store-event center, conference facilities, an entertainment venue, 15 cabins, 20 RV sites, and a renovation of the historic Cinderella Company.
The new Mountain Trail Network in Wood County will receive $2.6 million to build a state-of-the-art trailside campground and up to seven miles of new bike trails.
Harrison County was awarded $5 million for the I-79 Stonewood Development, a 393-acre area of former strip-mined land on both sides of the interstate. Harrison County Commissioner Patsy Trecost said that the permitting process is almost complete, and the focus will shift to developing the infrastructure for the future. Trecost mentioned that they aim to bring commercial and industrial partners for good-paying jobs to the community, with an immediate focus on expanding residential offerings.
These developments are part of a broader trend in the outdoor recreation industry, which is experiencing significant growth due to increased interest in outdoor activities and nature-based tourism. By investing in projects like the Cinderella Adventure Resort and the Mountain Trail Network, West Virginia is positioning itself to capitalize on this booming industry, attracting tourists and potential residents.
Outdoor recreation substantially impacts the economy, generating billions of dollars annually in direct spending, supporting millions of jobs, and drawing attention to the importance of conserving natural resources. By allocating funds to rejuvenate abandoned mine lands and transform them into hubs for economic development and outdoor recreation, West Virginia is addressing environmental concerns and creating sustainable opportunities for its communities.
I’m a little concerned about the impact of outdoor projects in West Virginia on natural habitats and wildlife. It’s crucial to ensure these initiatives are sustainable and environmentally responsible. Let’s consider the long-term effects on the environment and wildlife in these areas.