Ohio Governor Mike Dewine made is way around East Palestine Friday, starting with discussion alongside community leaders, which briefed him on the clean up efforts and addressed concerns they were hearing from constituents..

During a press conference at the public library along North Market Street, Dewine said he wanted to remind the community that his administration will be there for the long haul. 

"We committed when this tragedy happened that we were not only here for a few days, we were going to stay here.", he explained.

Dewine emphasized that one of the biggest takeaways on Friday was that things were moving forward.

One of the concerns he says he came away with were the long-term concerns from some of the residents. 

The state leader cut the ribbon on a health clinic in the village back in April which he says is doing well, although when asked if he still advocates for a public health emergency, a declaration that would provide access to long term medical care--this was his response.

"How we label things isn't as important as what we do and we're constantly looking at what we're doing and we're listening to people.", said Dewine.  

Dewine stopped by the high school to visit with the science club which teamed up the EPA on student projects. He also visited the derailment site and water treatment plant before announcing a $150,000 grant which will be matched by federal dollars to help pay and replace emergency response equipment, and a drone.

In an unrelated topic, the Governor also applauded the YSU board of trustees for offering Congressman Bill Johnson the university president position.

"Congressman Johnson I think will be a great president, he is someone that I really admire.", said Dewine, adding that he's the right person for the job.