ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced an investment of half a billion dollars in Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties will be proposed to the state legislature, for local improvements in development, tourism, trails and parks, broadband access, education and workforce training, and to fight substance abuse.

DeWine added that local communities will be highly involved in originating and planning projects. He and area representatives made the announcement during a stop at the St. Clairsville Recreation Center this morning.

Afterward, DeWine said he hopes to see the money spent in the course of the next two years. The dollars will come from federal sources and the state’s general fund. He speculated the projects most likely to be funded would be collaborations among multiple entities.