SE Ohio Times

State Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) has announced a significant investment of $18,211,333 in transformative economic development projects in Athens County. The allocation is part of the newly established Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative, aiming to boost growth in the region.

According to Edwards, "This transformative funding will set Athens County and the greater Appalachian Region up for a future of growth and prosperity."

The investment breakdown includes $6,564,071 for the revitalization of the City of Athens Central Business District, $7,043,674 for the rehabilitation of the Mount Zion Baptist Church building into the Mount Zion Cultural Center, $2,639,453 for upgrades to the Southeast Ohio History Center building, and $1,964,135 for the revitalization of a portion of Main Street in the Village of Chauncy.

This funding is part of a larger initiative where over $154 million has been allocated to economic development projects in Ohio's Appalachian region, focusing on initiatives like downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvements.

The projects funded are expected to pave the way for growth and prosperity in Athens County and the wider Appalachian Region.