Completed Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Projects

Cranes Nest Picture
Cranes Nest Trail & Portal Closure
Dickenson County
Grant: Recipient: Dickenson County
2017 Funds Awarded: $711,100

This project has closed nine AML portals and the old mine access road has been improved and connected with the existing Cranesnest multi-use hiking/biking/equestrian trail. The trail now extends 3.5 miles to a campground maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers on the Cranesnest River in Dickenson County.

Devils Bathtub Picture
Devils Bathtub
Scott County
Grant Recipient: Scott County Economic Development Authority
2017 Funds Awarded: $317,000

The Devils Bathtub geologic feature is a regional and national tourist destination located in the Jefferson National Forest in Scott County. This AMLER project included parking improvements, closure of an AML portal, and safety improvements to the trail including the enhancement and elimination of several stream crossings. In additional to bringing in more visitors, the project aims to reduce the strain on local emergency responders who rescue dozens of lost, stranded, or injured hikers each year.

Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum Picture
Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum
Tazewell County
Grant Recipient: Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission
2017 Funds Awarded: $1,528,260
2018 Funds Awarded: $379,178

The Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum is the only exhibition mine in Virginia. Visitors can get a feel for being in an underground coal mine. AMLER program dollars were spent on the refurbishment of the exhibition mine and the neighboring museum. The AMLER grant funds help create space for an on-site restaurant and provides an optional tram service for visitors to ride through the mine. Pocahontas is also home to the Spearhead and Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails which is bringing more visitors to the site.

Project Intersection PictureProject Intersection Picture
Project Intersection
Wise County
Grant Recipient: Norton Industrial Development Authority
2017 Funds Awarded: $3,500,000
2018 Funds Awarded: $1,782,685
2019 Funds Awarded: $1,417,400
2020 Funds Awarded: $5,500,000

Project Intersection will provide an economic boost to four localities in the Lenowisco Regional Industrial Facilities Authority region. The project included removal of a highwall left by historic mining that was adjacent to the intersection of two major highways in Norton. The 200-acre property was purchased, reclaimed, and developed into five industrial sites and a 30,000 square foot commercial building. Project Intersection is the top-ranked site for development within Lee, Wise, and Scott Counties and the city of Norton.

Project Reclaim Picture
Project Reclaim
Russell County
Grant Recipient: Russell County Reclamation, LLC
2017 Funds Awarded: $3,199,553
2018 Funds Awarded: $1,645,340

Project Reclaim is a 67-acre industrial site. The project is close to rail, has access to electricity and substations, a developed road, and existing natural gas and water supplies. Various old structures from previous mining were removed and the land reclaimed to support future development of an industrial site.

Trammel Community Revitalization Picture
Trammel Community Revitalization
Dickenson County
Grant Recipient: People Inc.
2017 Funds Awarded: $150,000

AMLER funds were used for blight removal and sidewalk restoration in a historic coal camp as part of a broader community revitalization effort. Other funding sources will complete housing rehabilitation, fiber optic internet connections, road widening, stormwater drainage mitigation, and develop a community common space.

Country Cabin Picture
Country Cabin II Facility Improvements
Wise County
Grant: Recipient: Appalachian Traditions, Inc.
2018 Funds Awarded: $82,920

Already capitalizing on traditional mountain music, the Country Cabin II can now offer more opportunities for visitors with a year-round venue. The music venue is located on a reclaimed abandoned mine land and AMLER Program dollars was spent on insulation and paneling for the interior walls and sealing the floor. The completion of this project has created an increase of marketability for the venue. Weddings, reunions, birthday celebrations, and high school proms have been or are scheduled to be held at the County Cabin II Facility.

Splashdam Waterline Extension Picture
Splashdam Waterline Extension
Dickenson County
Grant Recipient: Dickenson County Public Service Authority
2018 Funds Awarded: $356,500

This project saw public water made available to a campground in Haysi through AMLER program funds. The infrastructure installed also serves 11 homes and a church. Access to reliable public water has enabled development of additional campsites and a bathhouse at the Thunder River Campground. The campground is on previously mined land next to the Russell Fork River and hosts visitors hoping to hit the ATV trails, go fishing, raft or kayak, visit Breaks Interstate Park, and enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian mountains.

Wise County IDA Solar Project Site Preparation Picture
Wise County IDA Solar Project Site Preparation
Wise County
Grant Recipient: Wise County Industrial Development Authority
2018 Funds Awarded: $500,000

The first large scale solar development in Southwest Virginia has been deployed on a previously mined site with AMLER funds. The project prepared the site for a solar array installation that will generate over three megawatts of clean energy to be used by the Mineral Gap Data Center. Preparation and installation will create several jobs and the Mineral Gap Data Center is expected to increase customers due to the use of renewable energy.

Wise County IDA Solar Project Site Preparation Picture
Breaks Interstate Waterpark Expansion
Dickenson County
Grant Recipient: Breaks Interstate Park
2020 Funds Awarded: $300,000

AMLER and other funds were used to construct a traditional in-ground swimming pool within the Breaks Interstate Park. The pool addition, which has been a highly requested amenity by guests has increased visitation, resulting in the need to hire additional staff. The project will also enable public wellness offerings such as swimming lessons.

Wise County IDA Solar Project Site Preparation Picture
Elam Farm Property Infrastructure Development
Wise County
Grant Recipient: Wise County IDA
2020 Funds Awarded: $1,906,698

This project expanded the Lonesome Pine Regional Business & Technology Park by developing and adjacent 200-acre site with access roads and public utilities, including water, wastewater, and natural gas. Other funds will be used to further develop the site with to establish multiple build-read pads. This development will upgrade the Business & Technology Park to Tier 4 or 5 certification, dramatically increasing state-wide marketability, industry attraction, and provide greater opportunities for private investment and job creation.

Wise County IDA Solar Project Site Preparation Picture
Veldon Dotson Recreation Park Improvements
Wise County
Grant Recipient: Wise County ID
2020 Funds Awarded: $371,000

This project included construction of additional lighting for fields at the Town of Wise Sports Complex which now will allow playing hours and seasons to be extended to accommodate more tournaments and more teams in those tournaments. This is anticipated to expand the economic impact of the park on local meals, lodging, and retail sales.