COLUMBUS –State Reps. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) and Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) last week participated in a Legislative Roundtable discussion with local elected officials and economic development leaders from across the southern Ohio region.
The Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission hosted the Representatives for a collaborative discussion on economic development efforts in the region, the impact of state budget funding, and the vision for future economic growth.
“It is important to be connected as a region and have conversations about what’s going well and what we can do even better in the future,” said Johnson. “The challenge that we face in many parts of my District is this—how can we generate wealth and family-sustaining jobs to our struggling communities? By working together as a region, with JobsOhio and OVRDC, we can and must find solutions.”
Active development efforts throughout the region that were highlighted during the roundtable include:
- Broadband expansion to connect all Ohioans;
- Site redevelopment programs to create spaces for businesses and job growth;
- Appalachian community assistance; and
- The preparation of sites for future large-scale economic development projects funded by the newly created All Ohio Future Fund.
“I am really proud of what we were able to pass in the state budget,” said Pizzulli. “As a region, it is critical that we rally together to make our communities the best and brightest they can be.”
The State Operating Budget for fiscal years 2024-25 commits substantial resources to economic development, positively impacting all four corners of the state. The budget specifically dedicates $50 million to broadband expansion, $500 million to brownfield remediation and building demolition, $6.6 million to Appalachian assistance, and $750 million to the All Ohio Future Fund.
The Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission is one of four local development districts in Ohio.