Ohio - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the first major development projects that will move forward with support from Ohio's $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program.

The DeWine-Husted Administration, in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, created the grant program last year to support local initiatives to revitalize downtown districts, enhance quality of life, and rebuild the economies of Ohio's 32 Appalachian counties.

A total of $50 million in development grants will be awarded in the program's first round to launch four transformational projects impacting communities in Athens, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Mahoning, Meigs, and Perry counties.

The Utica Shale Academy of Ohio will increase access to workforce training for at-risk, low-income young adults, individuals, and families impacted by substance use disorders in Columbiana, Carroll, Jefferson, and Mahoning counties.

With an Appalachian Community Grant of up to $2,356,417, With an Appalachian Community Grant of up to $2,356,417, Utica Shale will create the Connecting Communities Through Workforce Training project, which will provide residents with a career pathway for in-demand jobs that allow them to earn a sustainable living wage.

The project will expand workforce training services at three strategically-placed training centers that will reskill and upskill individuals to attract and retain skilled labor. The training will focus on in-demand jobs like heavy equipment operation, welding, industrial maintenance, robotics, 3D printing, broadband infrastructure, and diesel mechanics.

Participants will also have access to community health workers to assist with resources to improve health.