Governor DeWine in our Region to Announce Historic Funding for Appalachian Ohio Projects
We all woke up this morning to a new reality of future transformation and growth in our beloved Appalachia!
The Appalachian Community Grant Program award announcements are rolling out and yesterday Governor DeWine announced 30 major economic development projects in 26 communities related to Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations. The day started with Governor DeWine and his team on the ground in the City of McArthur, speaking to an enthusiastic crowd applauding projects in Vinton and Jackson counties helping students, improving parks and trails, renovating downtown main streets, and boosting tourism.
Shortly after, the Governor travelled to Downtown Chillicothe for another announcement of projects that will support the UNESCO World Heritage tourism sites among other improvements. Together, these projects will infuse $154 million into communities in 12 counties, with additional award announcements to come in several other cities next week.
“So far, we have announced around $144 million in grant awards, including $64 million dollars for 28 projects that will increase access to healthcare in our Appalachian region. Today though we are announcing our next round of Appalachian Community Grant Program awards primarily focused on revitalizing local downtowns, attracting visitors to really experience Appalachian’s recreational opportunities and cultural sites and frankly, just the beauty of this part of Ohio,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
Read the full list of Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations projects here.
Funding for the Appalachian Community Grant Program is an investment total of $500 million dollars into Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region. The program was spearheaded by the DeWine-Husted Administration with support from the Ohio General Assembly in 2022.
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| Governor Mike DeWine with City of Chillicothe leaders | Governor DeWine made historic news Wednesday for 26 communities in our region | Hundreds are on hand for the announcement in Downtown Chillicothe at the Yocktangee Park Armory |
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OVRDC team members Stephanie Gilbert and John Hemmings are there for the historic funding announcements |
Mayor of McArthur Steve Hammond with Governor DeWine | City of McArthur in Vinton County announcement draws a capacity crowd |