Ohio is investing $500 million in 32 counties that make up the Appalachian region of the state.

It's called the Appalachian Community Grant Program and was signed into law on Tuesday by Gov. Mike DeWine.

He said sometimes people living in the Appalachian region of Ohio may feel like they are the forgotten part of the state, but on Tuesday those 32 counties took center stage in Columbus.

Mayors and county commissioners from the 32-county region joined DeWine as he signed the $500 million initiative into law.

DeWine said the local municipalities will decide how their share of the money will be spent. They will start by submitting a plan to the state.

He said some examples could be dealing with the drug problem, setting up a clinic, fixing up downtown areas and other infrastructure needs.

Eyewitness News asked him where the $500 million came from.

"We got money from the federal government. We wanted to make sure it was spent correctly," DeWine said. "We have been able to to be very careful with our money. We have been able to come up with additional funds we can put out to our local communities."

The Republican governor said this program will transform the Appalachian region of Ohio.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted also said the investment opens the door for economic development in southeast Ohio.