Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) joined officials from the Virginia Division of Mines, Minerals, and Energy in Lebanon today to announce a $711,100 grant in Dickenson County. The funding will support closing nine old mine portals and converting an access road to a trail that connects with the Cranes Nest Trail for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The funding comes from a pilot program to reclaim abandoned mine land Griffith championed. He issued the following statement:

“By reclaiming abandoned mine land, we can take property that is currently unused and repurpose it for a variety of uses, from economic development to recreational use. This site in Dickenson County will be restored and become part of the Cranes Nest Trail. Thanks to the support provided by this grant, the trail will be more accessible for the enjoyment of visitors seeking to hike, bike, or ride horses.”

Background

Griffith has secured an additional $20 million for a pilot program to fund abandoned mine land reclamation in Virginia with a specific focus on economic development.

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