In late-April, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced an Ohio BUILDS program to support the state's 32 Appalachian counties. The 500 million proposal was voted on and approved by the Ohio Legislature Wednesday.
As previously reported, the investment includes a $50 million planning phase to allow communities to incorporate each of the three funding priorities. Following the planning, $450 million in implementation grants would be invested to help communities and regional groups carry out qualifying projects to rejuvenate the region and stimulate economic growth. As for how much each community receives, County Commissioner Kevin Ritter explained.
"You know there's no set formula. This is going to be competitive, and we like that aspect of it. We think with our grant department, with our aggressive group of commissioners we're gong compete very well"
Commissioner Ritter also talked about how him and our fellow commissioners have been working hard even before the announcement to be sure Washington County is on the front lines for funds.
"Even before this legislation was passed and the money was appropriated, we had a plan in director Carey's hands so that we could be in the front of the line."
Stay tuned to WMOA as we will continue to bring you updates on the funding as we receive them, in the following weeks.
