Miller Supports ODNR Funding to House District 72

COLUMBUS – State Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark) announced that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently invested $7 million into projects in Coshocton and Perry Counties because of the Abundance Mine Land Economic Revitalization Project. 

In Coshocton County, $2 million was allocated to the Richard Downing Airport. The airport was built on an old surface coal mine and this funding will help to reclaim 6,000 feet of dangerous highwall left on the edges of the airport property when it was first constructed. After the completion of this project, the airport will become safer for visitors. Furthermore, some of the funds will be used to construct a 7,040 square foot hanger for overnight storage of aircraft. 

“The Richard Downing Airport will greatly benefit from this investment and I am pleased to see funding from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program coming to Coshocton County,” said Miller. 

In Perry County, a $4 million revitalization of the historic Tecumseh Theater will be undertaken in the popular coal mining community of Shawnee, Ohio. The goal of this project is to restore the theater to its original condition resulting in increased tourism to the area.

Lastly, $2.36 million will be allocated to parts of Perry County to aid in the construction of the Buckeye Trail which is a part of the Wayne National Forest. With this funding, hiking will become safer and more efficient in the area.