Highland, Ross Counties Receive $57 Million Investment for Downtown and Tourism Improvements

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) today announced 12 transformative economic development projects in Highland and Ross counties that will improve the region for residents and boost experiences for travelers.  

The investment is part of the new Appalachian Downtowns and Destinations Initiative. In total, $154 million will be disbursed into communities across 12 counties to revitalize historic downtown districts, create new recreation opportunities, and amplify the experience for those visiting the region's cultural sites.

“The 91st House District has so much to offer,” said Peterson. “We are continuing to make historic investments in the Appalachian region to show the natural beauty of the region and highlight the unique experiences in our area.”

Projects in Highland County are as follows:

City of Greenland, $5,371,410: The Village of Greenfield Felson Park will use its funds to create a hillside playground, amphitheater, rental venue, a livery access, and more.
City of Hillsboro, $5,204,536: The City of Hillsboro Crossroads Park will receive funding to construct a new park downtown that includes an outdoor gathering space, amphitheater, and a farmers’ market.
City of Leesburg, $1,052,995: Leesburg will transform a defunct park into a vibrant, usable space for the community. The project includes new amenities such as a footbridge, playground area, lighting, and restrooms.
City of Lynchburg, $1,001,390: The Village of Lynchburg will revitalize its downtown park with new amenities focused on empowering residents to maintain healthy lifestyles. Installation of a shelter house will create access to fresh produce by housing a regularly occurring farmer’s market. Additional park improvements include a walking trail, pedestrian bridge, play area, ADA parking, and community-use raised garden beds.
 

Projects in Ross County are as follows:

City of Chillicothe, $35,362,990: The city of Chillicothe’s central gathering place, the Yoctangee Riverside District will be transformed by four projects:
• The underutilized Armory will be renovated to house the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visitors' Center, community meeting spaces, and a large recreational facility. A large pavilion will be built next to the Armory to house the Chillicothe Farmers Market. 

• Major improvements will be made to the park’s recreational fields, including the construction of an amphitheater, pickleball courts, and refurbishment of the baseball field. 

• The road network surrounding the park and downtown will be reconfigured to improve access and add a shared-use bike path. 

• The Mighty Children's Museum will be renovated and expanded to add STEM-related programming for older children.

Concord Township, $1,933,740: Ross County Park District will make improvements and repairs at the Paint Creek Trail to improve its current condition and prevent further erosion.
Paxton Township, $705,319: The area surrounding the earthworks will undergo infrastructure improvements, including new restrooms and the renovation of the Blackstone House into a visitor center.
Springfield Township, $952,497: The Hopeton Earthworks site will receive driveway and parking improvements.
Union Township, $792,593: The historic site at Mound City will be enhanced to include a pavilion and shelter to serve larger groups, including students.
Union Township, $320,542: An existing bike trail will be expanded and completed to connect the Hopewell Mound Group to the adjacent Maple Grove Prairie Park.
Village of Bainbridge, $2,145,275: Building upon recent entrepreneurial investments in downtown Bainbridge, the village will enhance the public space by making several improvements to the infrastructure. 
Village of Frankfort, $3,079,793: Bump outs will be installed to calm traffic and enhance pedestrian safety, in addition to new ADA-compliant ramps. Lightle Park will also be improved by adding a trailhead with a bike repair station, wayfinding signage, new playground equipment, sports fields, and a dog park.
 

Nearly $200 million in remaining Appalachian Community Grant Program funding will be announced in the coming weeks. In total, approximately $2 billion has been invested in Ohio's Appalachian counties since 2019.