Ohio Department of Development gives $1.5 million for Monroe County road repair, saving 35 mining jobs

MONROE COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — One month of rain, dozens of road slips.

Flooding damage in Monroe County put access to a mining business in jeopardy, until a state program stepped in to repave, and save 35 jobs.

A small ceremony at American Mine Services Thursday commemorated work five years in the making.

In February 2019, heavy rain led to three landslides along County Road 26 alone.

While FEMA did give some disaster assistance, they turned down money to fix its heavily damaged asphalt.

After an appeal was denied, the county knew it had to act fast, with the road being the only way in and out of the mining business.

That’s where the Ohio Department of Development came in, offering $1.5 million as part of their mission to keep jobs in the Buckeye State.

“They were so, so great to work with and be able to give us a million and a half dollars to try to get this road stabilized so this business is not shut down.”

Amy Zwick, Monroe County Engineer

“We’re also here to help with small business development. We help with business expansions or retention of jobs. We’re really here on behalf of Governor DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Husted, to do the right thing with communities as a partner.”

Lydia Mihalik, Director, Ohio Department of Development

The money came through the 629 Program, with help from the Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Governor’s Office of Appalachia.

And while a major project like this one is now complete, the county says there are still more than 50 slips left unfunded by FEMA.

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