Highland County municipalities receive Appalachian Community Grant awards
Pictured (l-r) are Lynchburg Mayor Jamie Burton, Senator Shane Wilkin, Greenfield Council member Mary Ellen McMurry, Hillsboro Economic Development Coordinator Lauren Walker, Highland County Economic Development Director Julie Bolender, Hillsboro administrative assistant Whitney Aliff, Highland County Commissioner Brad Roades, Greenfield City Manager Todd Wilkin, Greenfield council member Brenda Losey, Leesburg Mayor Rita Smith-Daulton, Governor Mike DeWine, Greenfield council member Phil Clyburn (back), Hillsboro Auditor Dawson Barreras, Hillsboro council member Tom Eichinger, Hillsboro Mayor Justin Harsha, Lynchburg council member Christine Hamlin, Highland County Commissioner David Daniels, Greenfield council member Carlos Ooten, Director of Development Lydia Mihalik, Hillsboro public works superintendent Shawn Adkins and Highland County Commissioner Terry Britton. (Submitted photo)
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik recently announced regionally transformative grant awards through the Ohio Department of Development's Appalachian Community Grant Program. Highland County municipalities received $12,630,331 through this highly competitive process.
"Our state's origins are in Appalachia; it's where our history began. But right now — this is Appalachia's time to flourish," said Governor DeWine. "These unprecedented investments in Appalachia will be transformative for those who live here, turning their visions for the future into reality."
Highland County municipalities were the recipients of four separate awards. These generous awards will make a transformational impact on our local and regional economy. Through the proceeds, our communities will be able to realize many visions they have held to provide numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, turn old buildings into revitalized spaces for markets and festivals, create walkable and ADA-compliant paths, build bridges to connect parks and make space for county residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Appalachia.
The City of Hillsboro will utilize the space at Crossroads Park to construct an amphitheater, renovate an existing building for a farmers' market, build a splash pad and a playground, and beautify the surrounding streetscape. The amphitheater area will include a stage and restrooms, a separate restroom/concession stand, a light and sound booth, and several walkable paths. The total amount awarded to the City of Hillsboro for this project is $5,204,536.
The Village of Lynchburg will revitalize Covered Bridge Park with a new shelter house, walking trail, pedestrian bridge, play area, raised garden beds and ADA-compliant parking. These improvements will empower residents to maintain healthy lifestyles and help protect their mental health. The Village of Lynchburg received an award of $1,001,390.
Through the Village of Leesburg's award of $1,052,995, the village will transform a currently defunct park into a usable space containing a footbridge, splash pad, playground area, restroom facility and walking path.
The Village of Greenfield received $5,371,410 to renovate Felson Park, including a playground, amphitheater, and rental venue. The adjacent site of the former stone quarry will also be improved to add camping facilities and an adventure park.
This award will transform our public spaces and amplify our community pride. This once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity directly reflects the Governor's love of Appalachia, for which we are appreciative. We extend our most profound appreciation to Governor DeWine, Director Mihalik and Director Carey for their unwavering support and vision for the future of Highland County and Ohio's Appalachian region.
We extend our gratitude also to the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission, Ross County Planning and Development Department, ChoiceOne Engineering and OHM Advisors for their diligent work in assisting us as we make Highland County the place where you want to live, learn, work and play.
Julie Bolender is the Director of Economic Development for Highland County and can be reached via email at jbolender@co.highland.oh.us or by calling (937) 661-3010.
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