CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine says he doesn't want the Appalachian region of Ohio to be neglected anymore.
The state is pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the 32 Appalachian counties to invigorate their economies and spur tourism.
He announced on Wednesday $154 million in grants as part of the Downtowns and Destinations Initiative.
"I think we've looked at this part of the state and it's been neglected in the past," DeWine said. "But I also think it has tremendous potential and really we have the opportunity to develop that potential."
DeWine's office said the goal is to revitalize historic downtown districts, create new opportunities for recreation and make the experience better for tourists visiting the region's cultural sites.
In this round of funding, grants were awarded to 30 projects in 12 counties.
Logan, Georgetown, Jackson, and Chauncey are among the communities whose downtown districts will be revitalized.
The city of Chillicothe received $35 million. One part of the project calls for the renovation of the 1926 Armory in Yoctangee Park into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visitors Center. Ohio's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ceremonial mounds of the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park, is a short 10-minute drive away.
Four Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites in Ross County will receive upgrades, such as pavilions, shelters and bike trails.
"Now with the mounds getting the designation as a World Heritage Site, you'll really see people come in, not just from all over the United States, but you're going to see people come in from all over the world," DeWine said.
The upgrades at Yoctangee Park also include a new pavilion for a farmers market, a roundabout entrance to the park and a large outdoor amphitheater.
"There are not words to express how big a deal this is," said Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney. "The word game changer was used. The governor was looking for transformational and he got it. This will change the trajectory of Chillicothe for years to come."
Feeney says they hope to have the work mostly finished by late 2026.
This round of funding is part of the larger $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program. The governor's office said $144 million had already been awarded, including $64 million to improve healthcare access.
DeWine says the state will announce another round of grants for projects along the Ohio River in the coming weeks.