Ohio's Appalachian region has big changes ahead through the $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program.

The grant program aims to revitalize the region and rebuild the economies of 32 Appalachian counties that have been overlooked by other infrastructure development projects.

The Ohio Department of Development will start work on first-phase projects in six areas including Youngstown.

OHM Advisors, an architecture, engineering and planning firm is working with the Ohio Department of Development on the project.

“This was once a thriving area during the industrial revolution, and over time, it has faced a lack of investment and high rates of unemployment, addiction, and mental health issues,” said Aaron Domini, Senior Planner & Partner at OHM Advisors. “The region hasn’t had a voice for a very long time. And now, through the grant program, Ohio’s Appalachian communities are seeing economic investment that will bring real, transformable change."