In May 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, and Governor’s Office of Appalachia Director John Carey announced dozens of major economic development projects in Ohio’s Appalachian region through the Appalachian Community Grant Program to expand access to local waterways, revitalize historic riverfront downtowns, raise the area’s profile as a travel destination and improve the quality of life for residents.
“We believe in the people of Appalachia, and we believe in their vision for the future,” said Governor DeWine when the awards were announced. “The half billion dollars we’ve invested in Appalachia will create new opportunities that add to the quality of life for those living in this beautiful and historic region and spur economic growth that will be life-changing for many Ohioans.”
As these projects break ground and begin to take shape, Local Development Districts Buckeye Hills Regional Council and the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission have partnered with Ohio University media professor Andie Walla and students from her Intermediate Video Production course to profile projects in just a handful of the communities that received support through the program.
“The Appalachian Community Grant Program is making a lasting difference in our region,” said Chasity Schmelzenbach, Executive Director of Buckeye Hills Regional Council. “We’re excited to partner with Professor Andie Walla and her students to help tell that story, capturing not just the physical transformation of our communities, but the energy, vision, and hope behind it. We’re grateful to Governor DeWine, the General Assembly, the Ohio Department of Development, and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia for their leadership in making these transformative investments possible.”
“Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission is proud to partner with Buckeye Hills Regional Council and Ohio University to document this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible by the Appalachian Community Grant Program,” said Stephanie Gilbert, OVRDC Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful to Governor DeWine, the Ohio Legislature, the Ohio Department of Development, and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia for their support and vision. This initiative is more than just an investment. It’s a chance to change the narrative about our Appalachian communities. Together, we aim to show the world the strength, beauty, and resilience of our region, and why we’re proud to live, work, and play in Appalachia.”
“The students had an excellent experience producing these videos, and I’m honored to help document and tell the story of these communities and their projects,” said Walla. “Last fall, I was approached about creating videos highlighting some of the projects funded by the Appalachian Community Grant Program (ACGP). In Spring 2025, I worked with 20 students to create videos highlighting several projects in southeast Ohio. The students and I drove a total of 1,343 miles, traveling to these communities to conduct video interviews and capture b-roll footage. We were fortunate to interview some great folks along the way, including mayors, community members, and local government officials.”
Follow the links below to view the first ACGP video project profiles, which offer not only a glimpse of the design plans but also go behind the scenes into the process of how community consensus led to project development.
The ACGP documentary project will be an ongoing partnership with Professor Walla, OU students, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia and Ohio’s Local Development Districts, over the next sixteen months as projects break ground, start construction and ultimately welcome the transformation of community spaces to promote recreation, tourism and additional economic development opportunities.
Overview
What does it mean to unleash half a billion dollars of community project funding across Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties? Get state and regional perspectives on this transformational investment from Governor Mike DeWine; Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development; John Carey, Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia; John Hemmings, Project Manager for lead applicant Ross County; and Jessica Keeton, Assistant Development Director for lead applicant Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization.
Chillicothe
As part of the Ross County Downtowns and Destinations award, the City of Chillicothe was awarded $35 million dollars for projects that will support tourism and enhance historic sites like the Yoctangee Park development, which includes renovation of the old armory to house the UNESCO Visitors’ Center and create community meeting space, as well as an adjacent farmers’ market pavilion. The Mayor of Chillicothe Luke Feeney, and Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Director Melody Young speak about how the Appalachian Community Grant award will enhance Chillicothe’s status as Ohio’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage designated site.
Hillsboro
The City of Hillsboro, located in Highland County, was awarded $5 million to create a new downtown park called Crossroads Park. The centrally located green space will add a walkable feel to downtown and be the center of community life. Hillsboro Economic Development Coordinator Lauren Walker explains how the Appalachian Community Grant award will include beautification of the surrounding streetscapes and an expansive gathering space for music, recreation, events and outdoor movie nights. The amphitheater will include restroom facilities and other amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Ironton Riverfront and Ro-Na Theater
The City of Ironton, in Lawrence County, was awarded $5 million dollars for two projects to enhance both the downtown and riverfront experience for residents and visitors. The riverfront project will include amenities like a multi-use trail, constructing a sea wall to accommodate large vessel docking and full boat services, and beautification improvements to infrastructure and lighting. Located a few blocks from the riverfront, the historic RoNa Theater renovation will include upgrading the interior and façade features to reflect period details and state of the art equipment for hosting live events and celebrations. Friends of Ironton members Rick Jansen and Brad Bear, along with downtown businessman Joe Unger talk about the history of Ironton and how the Appalachian Community Grant program will give the whole community a once in a generation facelift.
Monroe Theatre
Located in Woodsfield, the county seat of Monroe County, Ohio, the Monroe Theatre received $4.6 million in support through the Appalachian Community Grant Program for renovations to the theatre that will promote downtown activity and revitalization in Woodsfield. Improvements to the historic theatre will allow the building to better serve students and community members. Volunteers and community members share what it means to see new life and activity come to the theatre’s historic stage and the impact it’s already achieved in downtown Woodsfield.
Portsmouth
The City of Portsmouth, located in Scioto County, was awarded $34 million through the Wonderful Waterfronts development project with the Appalachian Community Grant Program. Portsmouth’s riverfront will be redeveloped to provide residents and visitors with access to the scenic Ohio River with the construction of outdoor parks, recreational amenities, riverfront trails with improved walking paths, an amphitheater for hosting festivals and live music, upgraded campsites and more. City Council President and Mayor Charlotte Gordon, along with Development Director Tracy Shearer show how the revitalization efforts will bolster downtown walkability, improve businesses and better connect the community to the riverfront.
Racine
Located in Meigs County, the Village of Racine received $10 million through the State of Ohio’s Appalachian Community Grant Program to revitalize the riverfront area to better take advantage of outdoor recreational activities. Projects include the creation of walking paths, a community amphitheater, a recreational boat dock, a kayak launch, and expanded access to the river. Longtime Racine Mayor Scott Hill and Matt Leasure, Principal Architect with Designing Local share how this project is set to reshape the village’s riverfront, create new recreational opportunities for residents, and attract new visitors to the area.