On Monday, as part of Governor Mike DeWine's H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the City of Lorain dedicated the Martin’s Run Wetland And Stream Restoration Project in Lorain County.  

“It’s exciting to see the H2Ohio initiative in action in different communities all across Ohio,” Gov. DeWine said. “We are working to protect our waterways and ensure access to safe, clean water - and each complete project puts us one step closer to achieving that goal.”

Also on Monday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted presented the 2022 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award, which recognizes Ohio’s commitment to individuals with disabilities in the workplace and leadership of diversity and inclusion best practices.

Lastly on Monday,  Lt. Governor Husted traveled to Ohio Hi-Point Career Center in Logan County for a roundtable discussion with area businesses focused on the TechCred program.

On Tuesday, the Ohio Third Frontier Commission approved $3.6 million in grants to help entrepreneurs develop innovative products and move them toward the marketplace.

“Ohio’s research institutions and entrepreneurs are on the cutting edge of technological advancements, and my administration is proud to support this important work,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “We are investing in promising research and innovation to build our economy and improve the quality of life for Ohioans.”

On Wednesday, Governor DeWine visited the Tri-County Career Center in Nelsonville to learn about the training students receive and to speak with the manufacturers they partner with for workforce development.

On Thursday, Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor  Husted announced new details on the Appalachian Community Grant Program, which will infuse $500 million into Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region to revitalize communities and stimulate transformational change.

This morning, the Governor's Office of Appalachia released detailed guidelines for the program, including project requirements, eligibility, and the timeline for awards. 

"There has never been a better time to live in Ohio, and we're making sure that our Appalachian communities also experience the economic growth that we're seeing across the state," said Governor DeWine. "This half-a-billion-dollar investment, which is long overdue, is an investment in the future of Appalachia and the future of each and every Ohioan who calls this region home."

The $500-million Appalachian Community Grant Program is part of Governor DeWine’s "OhioBuilds – Small Communities, Big Impact – A Plan for Appalachia." The program will specifically support transformational projects in Ohio's Appalachian communities that focus on infrastructure development, physical and behavioral health, and workforce development. 

“There are people and communities with big ideas across Appalachia, but they have lacked the resources to make those dreams come true. These grants aim to help make more of those dreams a reality,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Improving education, healthcare, and quality of life, these grants will support local solutions in these critical areas.”

Also on Thursday, in recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week,  Governor DeWine announced that two new tools are now available for parents and driving school instructors to help better prepare young drivers who are still gaining experience behind the wheel.

New, localized traffic safety bulletins and an all-digital driver's permit packet can now be found on the Ohio Traffic Safety Office's (OTSO) website.

In partnership with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, OTSO will biannually publish 88 county-specific driver training bulletins for use by parents, teachers, and driving instructors to help educate young drivers on local-level driving trends, dangerous roads and intersections, and seatbelt usage.

"We are continuously looking for ways to equip Ohio's young drivers with information to help them make good decisions behind the wheel," said Governor DeWine. "Each county in Ohio has unique driver-safety issues based on varying landscapes, population, and roads, so this local information can help parents and driving instructors determine which driving skills to focus on with new and practicing drivers."

On Friday, Governor DeWine attended an expansion groundbreaking ceremony at Motion Controls Robotics Inc. in Fremont and later toured the Sentinel Career & Technology Center in Tiffin to learn about their programs.