MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Mount Hope Mayor Michael Kessinger is providing an update on the city’s efforts to develop approximately 66 vacant properties affected by a federal floodplain buyout, including plans for a proposed RV park and possible stream restoration project.
“This project has affected Mount Hope for many years, and it is important for the public to understand its full history,” Mayor Kessinger said.
According to Kessinger, the city completed construction of a sewer project in the Kilsyth area in 2006–2007 after being strongly encouraged by state and federal partners, including the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and National Park Service. The project required the city to take on substantial long-term debt.
Several years later, the Natural Resources Conservation Service conducted a voluntary floodplain buyout in the area. Homes were purchased and removed, leaving approximately 66 vacant lots in Mount Hope that are subject to federal deed restrictions. Fayette County holds the restricted deeds on the properties.
Kessinger said the buyout also eliminated water and sewer customers in the Kilsyth area, bringing the total number of utility customers lost to approximately 102. Despite losing much of the customer base, the city remained responsible for bond payments on the sewer system built to serve the area.
The city also lost real property, personal property and utility tax revenues associated with the 66 properties, according to Kessinger.
“Our goal has never been to build an RV park simply for the sake of building one,” Kessinger said. “Our goal is to find a lawful and responsible use for this property that supports recreational tourism, brings visitors into Mount Hope, strengthens our downtown businesses and helps our community recover from the long-term effects of the Federal buyout and the decline of the coal industry since the 1950s.”
The proposed RV park is part of the city’s broader effort to take advantage of Mount Hope’s proximity to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to promote tourism and downtown revitalization.
The city is communicating with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, NRCS and other state and federal agencies to determine what development is permitted under the deed restrictions.
Mount Hope remains committed to pursuing the RV park, but Kessinger said its final size, design and location could change to meet federal requirements and obtain necessary approvals.
“We are working with the agencies involved rather than making promises before we have written confirmation,” Kessinger said. “The final project will look different from the original concept, but we remain committed to finding a solution that is lawful, financially responsible and beneficial to Mt Hope.”
A stream restoration project also remains under consideration. The city is seeking additional guidance from the appropriate agencies about what work could be approved and how restoration efforts could be coordinated with its recreational and economic development plans.
“We believe responsible recreational development and stream restoration may be able to complement one another,” Kessinger said. “However, we will not present anything as final until the necessary reviews and approvals have been completed.”
Kessinger said leaving the properties vacant would not eliminate the financial impact of the federal buyout because the city would remain responsible for its sewer debt while continuing to lose utility customers and tax revenue.
“I do not believe Mount Hope should abandon this area or simply accept that approximately 66 vacant lots must remain an indefinite burden on our taxpayers,” Kessinger said. “We have a responsibility to explore every lawful and reasonable opportunity to give this property a productive future.”
The city plans to continue working with Fayette County and state and federal agencies while following the applicable deed restrictions.
“We are trying to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity for recreational tourism, economic development, our residents and the future of Mount Hope,” Kessinger said. “Our community has faced significant economic challenges for generations, but we will continue working to build a stronger and more sustainable future.”
