1-08-2026 10:49pm

ODNR Awards 6 Grants to Boost Local Economies

Beth Callahan Editor

The interior of the Knights of Pythias building in Glouster, Ohio. A previously announced AMLER grant is funding both interior and exterior renovations, including the addition of an elevator.

Story and photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Mineral Resources Management (MRM) has 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 (AMLER) 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,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “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 coalmining 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.

AMLER funding has been granted to the follow projects:

Black Horse Inn Underground Railroad “Night at the Museum” Airbnb - Morristown Historic Preservation Association

Belmont County - $772,992
The project will convert the second floor of the historic Black Horse Inn into overnight lodging, including an ADA-compliant unit. The project will create a unique “Night at the Museum” lodging experience that will complement the Underground Railroad Museum being developed on the first floor. The museum renovations are part of a previous Appalachian Community Grant Program (ACGP) award.

Joe Balo Landing Park – Franklin Township and Conesville Village Joint Recreation Board

Coshocton County - $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.

Mercerville Trailhead Project – Guyan Township

Gallia County - $1,300,000
The Mercerville Trailhead will serve as a recreation hub connecting thousands of acres of public land to local communities. The trailhead will include a pavilion with public restrooms, a water station, and parking areas with bike racks. Infrastructure to host vendors and food trucks will also be installed.

Inland Waterways Maritime Academy Deckhand Training Center – Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen

Monroe County - $767,539
The project will expand and enhance Appalachian Ohio’s first river maritime training center, the Inland Waterways Maritime Academy. This project will construct a deckhand training pad, renovate a pole barn into a multi-use classroom and equipment facility and make upgrades to the visitor’s center.

City of North Canton Stratavon Mine Reclamation Project - The City of North Canton

Stark County - $3,000,000
The City of North Canton will identify and mitigate extensive underground abandoned coal mines in the Stratavon Drive area, which is northwest of the city. The impacted areas will then be redeveloped for commercial and public recreation purposes.

Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts – Trumbull County Historical Society

Trumbull County - $2,300,000
The Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts (MoSFA) will transform a vacant downtown building into a 14,000 sq. ft. museum celebrating the science behind science fiction and fantasy. The project will provide hands-on STEM and workforce training through a CGI Learning Lab.

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

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.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.