Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the approval of six projects that will create 716 new jobs and retain more than 1,300 jobs statewide.  

During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to result in more than $50 million in new payroll and generate over $39 million in investments across Ohio.  

 Governor DeWine and Brigadier General Jason Bartolomei, Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, mutually signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) renewing the partnership between AFRL and the state. 

The new MOU is an extension of previous agreements signed by representatives of the state and AFRL. The agreement formalizes the partnership between the two entities to execute Air Force and Space Force missions while also fostering advanced research, industrial partnerships, and economic development within the state. 

"This unified approach is more than a strategic advantage - it is a national necessity. In a world defined by technological competition, the United States must lead in key areas like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber security, and a resilient supply chain," said Governor DeWine. "The technologies developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory will impact our national security for decades to come, and Ohio is pleased to closely partner with the lab to advance these technologies with innovation and speed."

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) unveiled a new plaque at Great Council State Park honoring First Lady Fran DeWine, who was instrumental in the creation of the park. Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine envisioned Great Council State Park as a place to preserve Ohio’s Shawnee history and pioneer past. The park celebrates its first anniversary on June 7. 

“I grew up hearing about the Shawnee people and the pioneers, so being a part of the creation of Great Council State Park has been an honor,” said First Lady DeWine. “My family has land a few miles from this park that dates back to 1814. Today, I love that so many children and visitors are learning about this important part of Ohio history.”  

“Fran is so passionate about Great Council State Park and honoring this part of Ohio’s story,” said Governor DeWine. “Her involvement and dedication are truly remarkable, and I’m thankful that ODNR is recognizing her great contribution.”

Lt. Governor Tressel spoke during the Ohio Bankers League's Capitol Day Conference, cementing the pivotal role Ohio Banks play in building our communities. 

Governor DeWine participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the newly completed Harrison County Jail. The project was supported with $14.3 million in state funding awarded as part of the Jail Safety and Security Program. 

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced that nearly $52 million in grants will be awarded over the next four years to improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The funding will support 44 projects in 33 counties.

"The Transportation Alternatives Program makes vital investments to support safer, more connected spaces for walking and biking,” said Governor DeWine. “This program helps improve quality of life, enhance public safety, and build sustainable transportation networks that make our cities and towns stronger and more vibrant."

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik announced nearly $60 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 51 hazardous brownfield sites in 27 counties.

The Department of Development is awarding the funding as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. Today’s announcement includes approximately $57.7 million for 43 cleanup/remediation projects and $1.7 million for eight assessment projects.

“Over the years, we’ve helped transform hundreds of unsafe, blighted, and abandoned sites into new centers of opportunity across Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “Through this program, we’re building stronger, safer neighborhoods and turning yesterday’s liabilities into tomorrow’s assets.”

“These projects prove that economic growth doesn’t always require starting from scratch,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “By bringing these brownfield sites back to life, we’re taking underused land and turning it into housing, commercial hubs, and job creators capable of changing lives.”

“When we clear away what’s been holding our communities back, we make room for what’s possible,” said Director Mihalik. “I’ve seen families move into apartments where old factories once stood. I’ve seen vacant buildings transformed into thriving homes for small businesses. And I’ve walked through neighborhoods filled with hope because someone believed in what they could be. That’s the power of this program — it turns potential into progress.”

Lt. Governor Tressel visited Jergens Inc. in Cleveland, a top manufacturer of aerospace parts, to see how they are implementing innovations to boost American manufacturing. 

Governor DeWine  announced over $3 million in grant funding to help local law enforcement agencies implement violent crime reduction strategies in their communities.

Forty-eight law enforcement agencies in 27 counties will receive funding through the latest round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. Since the launch of the program in 2021, more than $84 million has been awarded to nearly 200 local law enforcement agencies for targeted programs and enhanced technology that aid in preventing and solving incidents of violent crime.

"The crime reduction strategies funded by this latest round of grants are all focused on protecting residents and making communities safer," said Governor DeWine. "We're proud to support the work of our local law enforcement agencies to use technology and other innovative practices to enhance public safety." 

“By supporting local law enforcement with assistance from new technology and equipment, at the same time we also help our communities to be safer places to live, work, and raise a family,” said Lt.  Governor Tressel.

Ohio’s annual free fishing days on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, give all residents a chance to fish at any public waterway without a license, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This includes Lake Erie and Ohio’s public lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers.  

"I encourage everyone to pick up a fishing rod this weekend and create memories with family and friends," said Governor DeWine "Ohio is the Heart of Adventure, and this is the perfect time to get outside, cast a line, and enjoy what our state has to offer."