MCARTHUR — Gov. Mike DeWine recently announced 30 major economic development projects in Ohio’s Appalachian region — including several in Athens County — that will raise the area’s profile as a travel destination and improve the quality of life for local residents.
DeWine spoke May 1 in a large field where the University of Rio Grande will build a new $11.9 million facility in McArthur. Elected officeholders from all across Southeast Ohio were present for the announcement that shared how projects in Athens, Hocking, Jackson and Vinton counties will receive millions of dollars in funding.
“We went through a process and the process was that local communities got together,” DeWine said. “Sometimes it was one community, sometimes it was numerous, and said, this is kind of what we want to do. And so the ideas came from here and I think that is something that we should keep in mind because we don’t think we know what’s best in Columbus. We don’t — you know what’s best for your community. And that’s true. Whether it is Jackson County, Vinton County, whatever county that we’re talking about.”
As part of the new Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative, $154 million will be infused into communities across 12 counties to revitalize historic downtown districts, create new opportunities for recreation, and amplify the experience for those visiting the region’s cultural sites.
“This transformative funding will set Athens County and the greater Appalachian Region up for a future of growth and prosperity,” said State Rep. Edwards, R-Nelsonville.
The $154 million will be used to improve infrastructure at parks, trails and museums; support enhancements to historical native landmarks; renovate downtown spaces and main streets; and create new hubs for education, economic development, health care and community engagement in areas where these opportunities have not previously existed.
Athens, Logan, Jackson and Chauncey are among the communities whose downtown districts will be revitalized.
“These are defining investments that will reenergize Ohio’s Appalachian communities for generations to come,” Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said.
Mihalik shared a list of places near and far that will benefit from this funding — towns and cities that will be transformed across Appalachia.
“You’ve unlocked the secret. That’s the recipe collaboration for genuine, tangible change that leaves a lasting and positive impact on every person, every business in every town in Appalachia,” she said.
The City of Athens will receive about $6.6 million for a beautification project in the central business district. Downtown revitalization and modernization work will include utility burial, new landscaping and streetscaping, pedestrian improvements, and corridor extensions in the northern portion of the central business district, near the Armory. These improvements will complement the renovated Athens Armory, which was awarded in the first round of the Appalachian Community Grant Program.
More good news — Mount Zion Baptist Church will receive more than $7 million to restore the facility on West Carpenter street. The church will undergo rehabilitation to become the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center, creating a multipurpose community and educational space for Southeast Ohio.
In an email to supporters, Mount Zion Black Cultural Center Board Member Tee Ahmed-Ford, who was at the DeWine’s event in McArthur, noted that the center received all of the money they asked for.
“You know I’m over the moon,” she said.
Southeast Ohio History Center Building, on West State Street in Athens, will receive more than $2.6 million in funding to renovate of a three-story historic building.
The Village of Chauncey will receive more than $1.9 million to revitalize its downtown district, including sidewalks, lighting, street landscaping, and wayfinding signs. The downtown district will connect to the Baileys Trail system and a new local park.
Mayor Amy Renner said the investment in downtown revitalization will be a catalyst for the village's future.
"It's really going to allow us to designate Converse Street as a place poised for small business development that promotes a safer and more beautiful downtown," Renner said. "The project will improve sidewalks and accessibility, add parking, signage, murals, trees, benches, decorations, and more. We're grateful that funders continue to see Chauncey as a place worthy of investment with a bright future ahead of us."
Chesterhill Auction Site in nearby Morgan County will receive $977,635 for upgrades for the livestock sales barn, electrical, bathrooms, commercial kitchen, and an expansion to accommodate more produce.
Funding for the Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative is being awarded through the larger Appalachian Community Grant Program, which is investing $500 million into Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region.
Nearly $200 million in remaining Appalachian Community Grant Program funding will be announced in coming weeks. The program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Appalachia within the Ohio Department of Development.
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