On Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the approval of assistance for three projects set to create 3,104 new jobs and retain 8,216 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. Collectively, the projects are expected to result in more than $152 million in new payroll and spur more than $4.7 billion in investments across Ohio. 

Projects approved by the TCA include:

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America LLC, Jefferson Township (Fayette County), Allen Township (Union County), Perry Township (Logan County), and Franklin Township (Shelby County)

Barcel USA LLC, Perry Township (Muskingum County)

Enable Injections Inc., West Chester Township (Butler County), village of Evendale (Hamilton County), and city of Franklin (Warren County)

Also on Monday, Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announced that $100 million is now available to support the implementation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the state over the next five years. 

DriveOhio, which is a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), began accepting proposals from companies to install and operate EV charging stations in Ohio.

"Having the capability to support more electric vehicle charging stations is something we’ve been working on for years," said Governor DeWine. "The development of a statewide network of charging infrastructure will enable EV travel across the state, support private sector investment, and spur even more economic development across the state."

“This investment gives Ohio another opportunity to compete for the future of the auto industry,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Leading in the automotive sector has been a priority for Ohio for quite some time, and as part of that goal, we’ll continue to work towards building up the EV workforce, so that businesses have access to talent, and Ohioans can secure a career in a new, innovative industry right here in our state.”

Lastly on Monday, Governor DeWine visited the Auburn Career Center to learn more about several of the educational programs, including Production and Welding technologies, IT/Robotics programming, and EMT lab. 

On Tuesday, Governor Dewine traveled to Monroe County to tour the historic Monroe Theater with local leaders. 

The Monroe Theater was built in 1939 and hosted national acts until its closure in 1977. The building was acquired by Monroe Arts Council in 2016 and has since undergone renovations to restore the building. Since reopening, the theater has hosted national acts and brought back its Country Music Jamboree.

Also on Tuesday, Lt. Governor Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced that the application periods for both TechCred and the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) launched and will run through the end of November.

“Both TechCred and IMAP continue to do well, and demand is strong among businesses, training providers and Ohioans wanting to learn a new, tech-focused skill,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “With Ohio winning big on economic development projects around the state, we’ll need to fill the open jobs with the right kind of talent, and the application opportunities announced on Nov 4th, aim to help on that effort and boost our workforce.”

On Wednesday, Governor DeWine announced that 24 local law enforcement agencies will receive a total of $11.7 million to help prevent and investigate incidents of violent crime including domestic violence, gun violence, and human trafficking.

The grants represent the 10th round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. To date, Governor DeWine has awarded nearly $70 million to 146 Ohio law enforcement agencies as part of this program. Approximately $100 million will be awarded to local law enforcement agencies as part of the grant program in total.

“Local law enforcement agencies spend considerable time and resources to combat violent crime and make their communities safer,” said Governor DeWine. “By funding advanced technological tools and increased staffing through this grant program, we are supporting their mission and helping the cause.”

Also on Wednesday, Lt. Governor Husted traveled to Findlay to tour the Millstream Career Center and highlight their use of the state's Innovative Workforce Incentive Program (IWIP).

On Thursday, Governor DeWine announced that 62 local first responder agencies will receive a total of $9.9 million to help support the wellness and staffing needs of Ohio's first responders. 

The grants represent the fourth round of the new Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program. To date, Governor DeWine has awarded $20.9 million to 117 Ohio agencies as part of this program, which aims to address burnout caused by understaffing as well as overall job stress.

“When there is an emergency, we all count on the fact that someone will be there to respond to the call for help," said Governor DeWine. "The programming and supports funded through this grant program will support first responders' wellness needs so they remain on the job and are there when we need them."

Also on Thursday,  Lt. Governor Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced the results of September’s round of TechCred, in which 348 employers were approved for funding, providing the opportunity for Ohioans to earn 4,135 tech-focused credentials. This most recent round marks the 16th application period of the program with manufacturing topping the list of industries applying for tech-infused credentials.

“If you are a business owner in Ohio and you aren’t using TechCred, you are missing out on the opportunity to build a more competitive workforce,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Utilizing TechCred is a win-win situation for both the business owners and their employees who want to upskill.”

On Friday, Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Dr. Jack Marchbanks announced details on $121 million in new traffic safety projects planned for Ohio, including the installation of approximately two dozen roundabouts in numerous counties across the state.

"A top priority of my administration has been making travel in our state safer - particularly at Ohio intersections that are known to be dangerous," said Governor DeWine. "Studies show that roundabouts significantly reduce the likelihood of serious or deadly intersection crashes, so we're investing in these projects today to save lives in the future."