SE Ohio Recreation Projects Receive Revitalization Funds

Article Presented By Rathkamp Financial…

(Southeast Ohio) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Division of Mineral Resources Management will eliminate potential hazards and offer new safe spaces for recreation and tourism in six Ohio communities through funding from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program (AMLER). The projects are pending preliminary eligibility approval from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).
 
“We have made it our mission to address abandoned mine lands across the state,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “These projects will result in an economic boost through industrial and commercial development, and potential increased tourism that will allow Ohioans to enjoy these lands for generations to come.”
 

 Kids enjoy the new playground and other features in Chauncey (Athens County) created through an AMLER project.

From a repaired and improved boat dock to new trails and community improvement projects, ODNR is investing nearly $10 million that includes Athens and Jackson counties.
 
The proposed AMLER projects include:
 
Glouster Community Development and Revitalization – Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) 

• Athens County – $2.8 million
• The project will focus on four key areas: reclamation and improvements to two downtown buildings in Glouster, improvements to Glouster Memorial Park, construction of three triplexes and a daycare facility, and operation of a workforce development program that will provide economic opportunities and trauma-response services that address historical inequities and generational trauma.

 
Downtown Revitalization and Park Improvements – City of Jackson

• Jackson County – $2 million
• The goal of this project is the economic revitalization of the Downtown of the City of Jackson. Key components required to achieve this goal involve abandoned mine land reclamation, floodplain enhancement, park improvements, urban trail development, sidewalk and landscape redesign.

 
Wellston RV Park Path – City of Wellston

• Jackson County – $1.84 million
• The primary objective of the project is to establish a state-of-the-art RV park on and adjacent to abandoned mine lands that not only honors the region’s mining heritage but also contributes to economic growth, tourism, and community engagement.