Hiner Applauds Approval of All Ohio Future Funding for Conesville Industrial Park in Coshocton
State Representative Mark Hiner (R-Howard) today applauded the approval of All Ohio Future Funding through the Ohio Controlling Board for the Conesville Industrial Park project in Coshocton.
“This has been a long process, and we are thrilled to see it finally come to fruition,” said Hiner. “This project will be truly transformative for Coshocton County and for the entire region. Thank you to the Coshocton Port Authority, the Department of Development, and the House leadership and finance team for their tireless work in making this a reality.”
“With this investment in the Conesville Industrial Park, we’re unlocking the potential of a site that’s ready to support the next wave of job growth in eastern Ohio” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Department of Development. “We are investing in the future of Coshocton County and look forward to seeing how Ohioans benefit from the opportunities this project brings."
On Monday, the Controlling Board approved the release of $58,752,504 from the All Ohio Future Fund to the Coshocton County Port Authority for site preparation, roadwork, utility upgrades, and water and wastewater improvements at the former Conesville Power Plant site. The project will enhance infrastructure and prepare the location for a modern, innovative industrial park for manufacturing, a data center, and power generation.
The closing of the Conesville Power Plant in 2020, co-owned by American Electric Power, devastated Coshocton County and eastern Appalachian Ohio. Since then, over $80 million in private funds have been invested to redevelop the site, which has already been a finalist in nationwide manufacturing site searches. However, the lack of water and sewer infrastructure remained a major barrier to attracting large-scale employers.
The 2024-2025 state operating budget (Ohio House Bill 33) established the All Ohio Future Fund (AOFF) with a historic $750 million investment to support local communities with site-readiness and preparation to attract economic development projects.
The Ohio Controlling Board oversees requests for changes to budgetary authority for state agencies.