Dickenson PSA project to serve Thunder River campground

Clean public water will be expanded to a business in Haysi due to a $356,500 Pilot Program Grant. The money will be used to extend public water to the Thunder River Outdoor Recreation and Campground, allowing the tourist destination to expand.

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy received $10 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury to help identify abandoned mine land sites that could be reclaimed or developed to boost the economy of the southwest region of the commonwealth.

“The AML Pilot program supports important infrastructure upgrades in areas where the legacy of mining is present. This grant will fund the replacement and extension of waterline to serve a campground near some of Southwest Virginia’s trail systems,” said Ninth District Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA).

“Making our natural splendor more accessible for campers, hikers, bikers and all who want to enjoy it will contribute to new economic opportunities and jobs in Haysi and broader Dickenson County.”

The business is located near several ATV, hiking and biking trails in Haysi. It also is a popular destination for whitewater rafters and kayakers who visit the town every October. The campground is located on the historic Splashdam Preparation Plant site.

In 1991, DMME closed 19 portals, removed hazardous equipment, reclaimed a dangerous highwall and removed a gob pile to improve the quality of a nearby stream, according to DMME’s announcemnet. The project reclaimed the old plant site and made it available for development.

“This site is a great example of how mined land can be reclaimed and developed to have a positive impact on the economy of southwest Virginia,” said DMME Deputy Director Butch Lambert.

“Everything in this area of Haysi is most likely on land where coal was once mined and we hope the addition of public water and the success of those at Thunder River Campground draws the attention of future developers.”

The grant will pay for replacing about 3,000 feet of inadequate waterline and extending the line by another 3,650 feet. This will allow the campground to add a bathhouse, 60 campsites and adequate water to the 20 existing campsites.

“We are elated the Dickenson County Public Service Authority can partner with the Thunder River Outdoor Recreation and Campground to enhance their amenities,” said Dickenson County Public Service Authority Executive Director Ron Phillips.

“By providing potable water to this majestic setting, we will provide an important component in successfully creating and stimulating tourism in our region.”

“This project will mean so much, not only to our business, but to Haysi and Dickenson County,” said Thunder River Outdoor Recreation and Campground Owner Reva Hill. “The waterline expansion will ultimately mean more visitors to our beautiful town and county.”

A crowd of nearly 40 people turned out Oct. 2 to celebrate the award.

The Splashdam Waterline Extension Project was one of 18 proposals submitted to the Virginia DMME.

The agency reviewed proposals for eligibility and then took them before an advisory council made up of people involved in local economic development. The council chose 10 projects to go to the Office of Surface Mining for approval.

The Pilot Program originated in a federal omnibus bill in 2017. DMME has received a total of $20 million for the projects over the last two years.

The agency received an additional $10 million for economic development projects to be selected in 2020. Project applications for that round of funding are due to DMME by Oct. 31.