CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The federal government has awarded the state with around $27.2 million to develop abandoned mine land sites.
Twelve projects will benefit from the funding, which comes from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection will handle the funding through its Office of Abandoned Mine Lands.
The projects from recreational efforts to infrastructure improvements:
— Building the Indian Creek ATV Resort in Boone County at a cost of $3.4 million.
— Upgrading the existing Minden Sanitary Sewer System in Fayette County; $1.5 million
— Building an educational and wildlife viewing center within the Forks of Coal State Natural Area; $959,613.
— Aiding in the construction of the Renaissance Village in McDowell County, which will be utilized by teachers for housing purposes as well as commercial use; $1 million.
— Expanding the Twin Hollow Campgrounds and Cabins Resor in Mingo County; $2.7 million.
— Improving trial and Cheat River access in Preston County; $1 million.
— Providing three miles of public sewer lines in Raleigh County; $7.6 million
— Upgrading public water service along Route 33 in Raleigh County; $2.1 million
— Extending public water service to residents near the Raleigh County-Summers County border; $1.3 million.
— Constructing a water treatment system and constructing a visitor-friendly education project near the Blackwater River in Tucker County; $818,000.
— Building a lodge and wedding venue in Wayne County; $250,000.
— Providing water services to 254 customers as well as Baileysville Elementary and Middle schools in Wyoming County; $4.5 million.
Gov. Jim Justice announced Thursday the Renaissance Village project will also receive $1 million from the Abandoned Mine Land grants program.