Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's recent week was marked by a dual focus on immediate disaster response and long-term economic development, as he deployed state assets to storm-affected counties, launched a statewide economic tour, and announced significant infrastructure investments. The Governor also requested expedited federal assistance for ongoing storm damage and celebrated a major manufacturing investment in Middletown.
Early in the week, Governor DeWine dispatched troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Transportation crews, and Ohio National Guard members to Perry, Muskingum, and Morgan counties following additional rainfall. "Ohio has been in the heart of the summer storm systems that have crossed the Midwest since early last week," said Governor DeWine, emphasizing the need for "additional state help to local first responders." Later, he formally requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to begin expedited damage assessments due to continuous storm impacts since August 10. "The faster we get this done, the faster we can get help to those who need it," Governor DeWine said.
Concurrently, Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel embarked on the "Heart of Opportunity" tour, kicking off in Cleveland and continuing to Youngstown, Toledo, and Lima. The tour celebrated Ohio being named the No. 1 state for business by CNBC in 2026, highlighting record job numbers, Ohio's status as the third-largest manufacturing state, and historically low unemployment. "We will continue to work together to make sure every Ohioan can fulfill their God-given potential," Governor DeWine said. Lt. Governor Tressel underscored the critical importance of "having access to opportunities and training" for Ohioans to reach their potential.
Further bolstering the state's infrastructure, Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced over $21 million in grants for 17 projects across 16 counties through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). These funds are designated to enhance safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. "This is an investment in Ohio's future and a commitment to building a more connected, healthy, and accessible state for all," Governor DeWine said. Additionally, the Governor released recommendations from the Public Safety in Ohio State Parks Working Group, aiming to strengthen emergency response in the nation's No. 1 state park system.
The week concluded with Governor DeWine joining Vice President JD Vance in Middletown to announce a $1 billion investment in the Cleveland-Cliffs plant, comprising $500 million from the company and a matching $500 million from the federal government. This investment, alongside Ohio's July 2026 unemployment rate matching its all-time record low of 3.4%, underscores the state's ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity for its residents.