GAOA- Demolition of Historic and Excess Structures

The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to remove excess and deteriorating structures across New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NRGNPP). 35 structures are being considered for demolition, 21 of which are considered historic and are either listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The NPS proposal includes removing the hazardous structures, disposing of all associated building debris, and restoring the sites to a condition consistent with their natural surroundings. This proposal is part of a larger project within the park to rehabilitate historic structures, invest in park infrastructure, address deferred maintenance needs, and reduce unnecessary operational costs and maintenance burdens.

Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, the project will 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. Many of the buildings and structures have come into the possession of the NPS through land acquisition within its established boundaries. Most were not intended for occupation or use and are now abandoned, dilapidated, and overgrown safety hazards that are vulnerable to trespassing and vandalism, as well as a burden to maintain.

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
• Thurmond Package Plant
• James Humphrey Sr. House
• Marilyn Brown House
• Dun Glen Building
• Dun Glen Ark
• Dun Glen Mini Ark
• Dun Glen Boat Storage Rack
• James K Carper Barn
• Harrah Coal House
• Harrah Outbuilding #2
• Harrah Outbuilding #1
• Harrah Hen House
• Harrah Smokehouse
• Harrah House
• Harrah Outhouse Remains
• Prince Brothers' General Store
• Brookside Pool Chemical Treatment Building
• Cochrane Farm Outbuilding #1
• Cochrane Farm Outbuilding #2
• James Phillips Storage Building #2
• James Phillips Farm Shed
• James Phillips Outbuilding #1
• James Phillips House
• Vallandingham House Addition

The NPS plans to complete its environmental and cultural review process for this project in mid-2024 with the goal of implementing the demolitions as early as fall 2024. The NPS is planning on preparing an Environmental Assessment for this action, with several opportunities for the public to provide input on the action and impacts.

Funding for this project is through the Great American Outdoors Act, Legacy Restoration Fund which is part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.

PUBLIC MEETING

The NPS invites interested members of the public to attend a public meeting on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 3:30-5:30 PM at the Glen Jean Bank (23 County Route 25/9, Mount Hope, WV 25880). At the meeting, the NPS will provide information regarding this proposal. For those unable to attend the meeting, additional project details, including a pre-NEPA report, are available under the "Document List" link on the left side of this page. The NPS welcomes input and comments on this project. Comments may be submitted using the "Open for Comment" link on the left side of this page. The park will provide additional opportunities for public input on this action in 2024.