WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, June 30, 2023

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending June 30, 2023

Monday, June 26, 2023

 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced Amazon Web Services (AWS) will invest an estimated $7.8 billion by the end of 2029 to expand its data center operations in Central Ohio, creating hundreds of new jobs.

AWS’s data center project represents the second-largest single private sector company investment in Ohio's history. The new data centers will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing.

"Amazon is already one of the largest private-sector employers in Ohio, and the company's continued growth here further cements Ohio as the heart of our nation's technology and innovation," said Governor DeWine. "As more of the world relies on cloud computing, this investment will build on Amazon's current infrastructure in Ohio to help new and existing businesses grow, allow residents to securely connect to friends and family, and provide access to online educational resources and entertainment."

“This positions Ohio as a critical location for the most discussed technology in the world, artificial intelligence,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “This enormous capital investment further solidifies Ohio as the tech center of the Midwest and positions us for a bright future as cloud computing and artificial intelligence are more integrated into the economy and our everyday lives.”

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announced the approval of assistance for nine projects set to create 534 new jobs and retain 1,007 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 $40 million in new payroll and spur more than $76.6 million in investments across Ohio.

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced Ohio will receive $793 million through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to support the state’s internet expansion efforts.

“Three years ago, we established our broadband office as a commitment to every Ohioan that we would work to bring broadband access to every corner of the state,” said Governor DeWine. “This historic funding made possible by our partners in the federal government puts us another crucial step closer to closing the digital divide in Ohio for good.”

“There are still people, in 2023, who cannot participate in the modern economy, education or healthcare systems because they do not have affordable, reliable internet access,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Internet is no longer just a luxury, and lack of access is no longer just a local issue. This support will allow us to bolster our efforts through the Ohio Broadband Strategy and make a real difference in our communities.”

Governor DeWine and Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel announced $2.8 million in H2Ohio grants for 10 projects that will improve water quality in Ohio.

H2Ohio will provide $500,000 to support the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's Mentor Marsh Coastal Restoration Project. The grant will be used to monitor and remove invasive species and grow native plants that will improve the overall health and quality of the wetland.

"The restoration of Mentor Marsh aligns perfectly with our water quality initiatives through H2Ohio," said Governor DeWine. "Wetlands remove nutrients and other contaminants from the water and lessen the severity of algal blooms, so by continuing to restore this property, we're contributing to a cleaner Lake Erie."

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Governor DeWine joined MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Columbus Crew co-owner Dee Haslam, Haslam Sports Group President JW Johnson, and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther to announce that the 2024 MLS All-Star Game will be played at Lower.com Field next July. 

"As Governor, I look forward to not just the all-star game itself, but the entire week because what we have learned in hosting all-star games is it's not just about the event itself, it is about the whole week. It gives us the opportunity to showcase Columbus and the state of Ohio," said Governor DeWine. 

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz celebrated the dedication of Ohio newest state nature preserve at Little Darby Creek. Little Darby Creek State Nature Preserve in Madison County is Ohio's 144th state nature preserve. The site is comprised of 430 acres of high-quality stream corridor that feeds into the Little Darby State and National Scenic River. “By preserving these acres along Little Darby Creek, we’re committing to permanently protecting both the land and the water in this area, as well as the rare and endangered species that live here,” said Governor DeWine. “Nature preserves like this ensure that future generations have the opportunity to connect with Ohio’s natural heritage and explore its exceptional beauty.”

Thursday, June 29, 2023

In honor of the life and service of South Richland Fire Chief Matthew "Matt" Hanenkrath, Governor DeWine ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds throughout Defiance County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office tower through sunset on the day of Chief Hanenkrath's funeral, Monday, July 3, 2023. 

First Lady Fran DeWine hosted children from The Hardy Center of Columbus at the Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden. The First Lady lead everyone in making homemade pizzas and brownies, which they enjoyed for lunch, and guided them on a tour of the Storybook Trail in the Heritage Garden.

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Development Director Mihalik announced state support for 38 historic preservation projects that will rehabilitate 59 historic buildings across Ohio. The projects are expected to leverage about $523 million in public and private investment.

“Ohio’s history is rich with innovation,” said Governor DeWine. “Many of these buildings were once home to the factories, shops, and offices that drove Ohio forward, and they still have a place in Ohio's future. We are excited to help revive these historic structures so they can once again be a valuable part of their communities."

“One of the virtues of this program is the ability to preserve our historic buildings while investing in the future,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “What was old is now new, cool, and vibrant.”

Friday, June 30, 2023

Governor DeWine attended a dedication ceremony to rename a section of U.S. 35 between U.S. 68 and U.S. 42 the Sheriff Gene Fischer U.S. 35 Highway. Fischer was appointed as Greene County Sheriff in 2003 and was re-elected to the position five times. Sheriff Fischer, who died in 2021, was well known throughout Greene County.    

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957