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GAOA- Demolition of Historic and Excess Structures
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve » GAOA- Demolition of Historic and Excess Structures » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS) has released for public review an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a project that proposes to demolish up to 19 historic structures and one modern addition to a historic structure located in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The EA was prepared according to requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, applicable regulations, and agency procedures. The EA evaluates three alternatives for the structures. Additional information about the alternatives can be found in the document
Many of the buildings and structures came into the possession of the NPS through land acquisition within established park boundaries. Most were not intended for reuse by the NPS and are now abandoned, dilapidated, and overgrown safety hazards that are vulnerable to trespassing and vandalism and are a burden to maintain. Removing the unnecessary structures would address deferred maintenance needs and eliminate excess yearly maintenance and law enforcement costs, allowing staff to focus attention and financial resources on maintaining other facilities and resources that park visitors can enjoy.
The structures considered for removal through this project are:
• Charles Ashley Garage
• Charles Ashley Outbuilding
• May Bagoski House
• Harold Smith House
• Wedzel Young House
• Tom Kelly House
• Thurmond Ice House
• McGuffin Garage
• Erskine Pugh Rental House
• Philip A McClung/Meadows House
• Sidney Allen Ward House
• James Humphrey Sr. House
• Marilyn Brown House
• Dun Glen Building
• Dun Glen Ark
• Dun Glen Mini Ark
• Dun Glen Boat Storage Rack
• Prince Brothers' General Store
• Brookside Pool Chemical Treatment Building
• Vallandingham House Addition
This project is one component of a proposed major investment in the park funded by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 that would (1) upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure; (2) renovate bathrooms, picnic shelters, and other important visitor facilities; (3) stabilize and rehabilitate historic structures; and (4) remove hazardous and underused non-historic and historic structures. The public is encouraged to review additional background information about these projects in the Story Map available in the Links list labeled "Story Map: Proposed Investments at New River Gorge".
After reviewing the Story Map, the public is invited to review and provide comments on the Demolish Historic Structures EA available in the Documents list. The public review period will be open from October 7, 2024, to November 8, 2024.
The NPS will respond to all substantive comments received during the review period. Substantive comments are those that:
1. question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of information in the EA;
2. question, with reasonable basis, the adequacy of the environmental analysis;
3. present reasonable alternatives other than those presented in the EA; or
4. cause changes or revisions in the proposal.
304-465-6526
Many of the buildings and structures came into the possession of the NPS through land acquisition within established park boundaries. Most were not intended for reuse by the NPS and are now abandoned, dilapidated, and overgrown safety hazards that are vulnerable to trespassing and vandalism and are a burden to maintain. Removing the unnecessary structures would address deferred maintenance needs and eliminate excess yearly maintenance and law enforcement costs, allowing staff to focus attention and financial resources on maintaining other facilities and resources that park visitors can enjoy.
The structures considered for removal through this project are:
• Charles Ashley Garage
• Charles Ashley Outbuilding
• May Bagoski House
• Harold Smith House
• Wedzel Young House
• Tom Kelly House
• Thurmond Ice House
• McGuffin Garage
• Erskine Pugh Rental House
• Philip A McClung/Meadows House
• Sidney Allen Ward House
• James Humphrey Sr. House
• Marilyn Brown House
• Dun Glen Building
• Dun Glen Ark
• Dun Glen Mini Ark
• Dun Glen Boat Storage Rack
• Prince Brothers' General Store
• Brookside Pool Chemical Treatment Building
• Vallandingham House Addition
This project is one component of a proposed major investment in the park funded by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 that would (1) upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure; (2) renovate bathrooms, picnic shelters, and other important visitor facilities; (3) stabilize and rehabilitate historic structures; and (4) remove hazardous and underused non-historic and historic structures. The public is encouraged to review additional background information about these projects in the Story Map available in the Links list labeled "Story Map: Proposed Investments at New River Gorge".
After reviewing the Story Map, the public is invited to review and provide comments on the Demolish Historic Structures EA available in the Documents list. The public review period will be open from October 7, 2024, to November 8, 2024.
The NPS will respond to all substantive comments received during the review period. Substantive comments are those that:
1. question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of information in the EA;
2. question, with reasonable basis, the adequacy of the environmental analysis;
3. present reasonable alternatives other than those presented in the EA; or
4. cause changes or revisions in the proposal.
Contact Information
Jay Martin, Environmental Protection Specialist, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve304-465-6526