Conesville recreational project receives state funding

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Mineral Resources Management awarded funding for six new projects that will benefit communities impacted by abandoned coal mines throughout Ohio. The projects, funded by the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization Program, will address and promote economic and environmental opportunities within historic coal mining communities.

ODNR’s AMLER Program goes beyond environmental restoration; it invests in projects that help reinvigorate communities historically reliant on coal mining, fostering sustainable economic opportunities and long-term growth in coalfield regions.

“ODNR’s AMLER Program is competitive and aims to rejuvenate communities across the state,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “It’s important to take these lands and turn them into places and spaces that benefit the people who live there. Whether it’s a new park or restoring historic buildings, we want communities with a coal-mining history to thrive.”

Projects will benefit communities with abandoned coal mines and are wide-ranging in scope, serving several counties including Belmont, Coshocton, Gallia, Monroe, Stark and Trumbull.

In Coshocton County, the Joe Balo Landing Park, a project of the Franklin Township and Conesville Village Joint Recreation Board, received $371,250. This project will transform a portion of a former coal-fired power plant site into a regional riverfront park. The project will reclaim land that has previously been impacted by historic coal mining and repurpose the land for public recreation and conservation. Planned amenities include a picnic shelter, walking trails, fishing access, and launch points for kayaking, canoeing and tubing.

Addressing environmental, economic and safety challenges associated with abandoned lands and surrounding communities will foster growth in employment, tourism, recreation, business opportunities and more.

The Division of Mineral Resources Management oversees the safe and environmentally sound development and restoration of mineral and fossil fuel extraction sites. The division also restores abandoned mine land, enforces mining safety laws, and ensures the protection of citizens, land and water resources.

Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.gov.