VINTON COUNTY, OH (WOWK) – Tens of millions in funds will soon be headed to Ohio’s Appalachian counties to jump-start economic development.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was in McArthur Wednesday morning to announce $154 million in grant money as part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program. The projects will primarily focus on reviving historic downtown districts, enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and attracting tourism.

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“We’ve invested a lot of money in our Appalachian counties as well as our other communities. Because, look, I mean, what’s more important than water and making sure that’s readily available? That it’s good water for the people is kind of a basic human right, right?” said DeWine.

The program will eventually distribute $500 Million to Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties.

According to the governor’s office, some of the historical sites set to undergo enhancements include the Monroe Theater in Woodsfield (Monroe County), the Black Horse Inn Underground Railroad Museum in Morristown (Belmont County); the Serpent Mound in Adams County, and the four Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites in Ross County. The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites are among Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage listings.

Downtown districts set to be revitalized include Logan in Hocking County, Georgetown in Brown County, Jackson in Jackson County, and Chauncey in Athens County, the governor’s office says.

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