COLUMBUS, Ohio — A number of projects reclaiming abandoned mine lands and promoting “economic and environmental opportunities within historic coal mining communities” across the state are receiving funding.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management, a number of projects related to reclaiming abandoned mine lands and promoting "economic and environmental opportunities" are receiving funding

  • The funding comes from the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program

  • In total, funding across all these projects amounts to $18,028,307

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Mineral Resources Management (MRM) announced this news in a press release Friday, saying the funding comes via the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program.

“These projects will contribute to local communities in several different ways, and it’s a bonus when these projects include expanding access to the great outdoors,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said in the release. “Whether it is the creation of a new trail, building new outdoor recreation spaces, or upgrading historic buildings, the projects will all contribute to local communities in their own ways.”

The projects are as follows:

  • Adena Trail and Visitor Center - Village of Adena – Jefferson and Harrison counties ($2,231,095)
  • Coaltivating Appalachia - Rising Appalachia – Athens County ($1,708,300)
  • Commerce Park Recreation & Entertainment Complex - Village of Bellaire – Belmont County ($1,468,912)
  • D.O. Hall Business Center Site Improvement – Guernsey County Port Authority - Guernsey County ($980,000)
  • Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense - The Youngstown Business Incubator - Mahoning County ($1,200,000)
  • Dennison Depot Restoration Center, Locomotive and Platform Upgrades - Dennison Railroad Depot Museum - Tuscarawas County ($1,690,000)
  • Noble Futures: Educating and Empowering for Tomorrow – Noble Master Plan Phase 1 - Noble Local School District - Noble County ($2,450,000)
  • Norma Johnson Center Improvements - Tuscarawas County ($200,000)
  • Outdoor YMCA - Ohio Valley YMCA - Columbiana County ($2,600,000)
  • Tablertown, From Coal Mine to Museum: A Black History Journey Renovations – Tablertown People of Color Museum - Athens County ($500,000)
  • Twin City Opera House, Historic Theater Renovations - Village of McConnelsville - Morgan County ($3,000,000)

The release states that the funded portion of the projects is still "pending preliminary eligibility approval" from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. It also states they will be completed over a period of three years.

In total, funding across all these projects amounts to $18,028,307.

“Through addressing environmental, economic, and safety challenges resulting from abandoned mine lands, communities will be served; and job, tourism, recreational, and business opportunities will be improved, among other benefits,” the release reads.