May 16 , 2024 The Beacon • 3
Millions awarded in final round of state grant program
Ohio Gov . Mike DeWine , Lt . Gov . Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced 18 new economic development projects that will improve waterfronts , trails , parks and historic downtown districts in Ohio ’ s Appalachian region .
More than $ 51 million will be awarded to 18 communities in 10 counties as part of the $ 500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program , which was created by the DeWine- Husted administration and Ohio General Assembly to reinvigorate Appalachian communities and rebuild local economies . The grants represent the final projects to be funded through this program .
“ We believe in the people of Appalachia , and we believe in their vision for the future ,” DeWine said . “ The half-billion dollars we ’ ve invested in Appalachia will create new opportunities that add to the quality of life for those living in this beautiful and historic region and spur economic growth that will be life-changing for many Ohioans .”
Of the grants announced , eight will focus on enhancing waterfront recreation areas in Conneaut , Coshocton , Geneva-onthe-Lake , Lowellville , Niles , Struthers , Warren and Youngstown . The communities of Adena , Ashtabula , Geneva , Newcomerstown , Niles and Zanesville will receive funding to revive and restore their central downtown districts . Bristol Township , Cambridge , Jewett , Killbuck and Scio will use funding to improve their network of recreational trails .
“ OMEGA served as a lead applicant with projects in 23 communities across our 10 counties , and we have eagerly awaited this day for months — the final Appalachian Community
Grant Program awards and announcements ,” said Dr . Vicki King-Maple , executive director of OMEGA . “ We are incredibly grateful for the $ 500 million investment Gov . DeWine made in the Appalachian region , and we are eternally grateful for the over $ 30.6 million in awards our communities received today ( May 9 ).”
OMEGA applicant communities include Cambridge ( Guernsey County ), The Great Guernsey Trail & Turner Ave Streetscape Trailhead ; Killbuck ( Holmes County ), Killbuck Streetscape and Trail Connection ; Villages of Jewett and Scio ( Harrison County ), Conotton Creek Trail Towns ; Coshocton ( Coshocton County ), Skips Landing Riverfront ; Adena ( Jefferson County ), Adena Building Renovation & Streetscape ; Zanesville ( Muskingum County ), Zanesville Downtown Streetscape & Secrest Auditorium ; and Newcomerstown ( Tuscarawas County ), Newcomerstown Façade .
“ This is just the beginning of more economic opportunities for Appalachia and creates change that allows Ohioans in this region to enjoy the affordable , high-quality life that can only be found in Ohio ,” Husted said . “ It ’ s about
investing in the innovation and potential of communities so they can grow and succeed in every corner of our state .”
“ By revitalizing our riverfronts and downtown areas , we ’ re creating vibrant hubs of activity , attracting visitors , supporting local businesses and strengthening community cohesion ,” Mihalik said . “ Today ’ s investments are an important piece in the larger picture for success for our Appalachia Ohio .”
The grants announced on May 9 are part of the Appalachian Community
Grant Program ’ s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative , which focuses primarily on funding projects in Ohio ’ s riverfront and lakefront communities . DeWine previously announced more than $ 152 million in grants through this initiative , bringing the initiative ’ s total investment to nearly $ 204 million .
Other initiatives announced as part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program include the following :
— Appalachian Children ’ s Health Initiative : More than $ 64 million in funding to create or expand community and schoolbased health clinics and launch healthcare-focused workforce development programs to train the next generation of Appalachian healthcare professionals .
— Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations
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Initiative : More than $ 154 million to raise the area ’ s profile as a travel destination and improve quality of life for local residents by revitalizing historic downtown districts , creating new opportunities for recreation and amplifying the experience for those visiting the region ’ s cultural sites .
Approximately $ 80 million in funding from the Appalachian Community Grant Program also was awarded to several shovelready projects and planning projects .
The Appalachian Community Grant Program and its initiatives are administered by the Governor ’ s Office of Appalachia within the Ohio Department of Development . In total the DeWine-Husted administration has invested approximately $ 2 billion in Ohio ’ s Appalachian counties since 2019 .
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