Ripley, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine officially broke ground on three major riverfront revitalization projects in Ripley, Higginsport, and New Richmond. These efforts are made possible through the state’s Appalachian Community Grant Program, specifically under the “Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative,” which aims to breathe new life into downtowns, increase public river access, and generate tourism and economic opportunity.
“These projects will improve the quality of life for people who call Ripley, Higginsport, and New Richmond home, as well as create new opportunities to attract businesses, families, and visitors,” said Governor DeWine. “The Ohio River played a powerful role in shaping our state’s history… With these investments, the river will once again be a driver for new economic development.”
Ripley’s Freedom Landing Project Sets the Tone
Governor DeWine began the day by breaking ground on Ripley’s Freedom Landing Riverfront Revitalization Project, a $16.4 million initiative that is expected to transform the town’s riverfront into a vibrant, historically rich destination. Features of the project include an amphitheater, event lawn, festival grounds, public restrooms, and concessions. It also includes expanded parking and new pedestrian pathways that will connect the riverfront with Main Street to boost tourism and downtown commerce.
Central to the project is the Freedom Plaza, which will display a dramatic 30-foot Freedom Beacon, reinstall the Freedom Monument, and introduce new historical markers that honor Ripley’s heroes from the Underground Railroad. Enhancing the experience further, a separately funded Freedom Landing boat dock—backed by over $3 million in grants and private contributions—will support increased river access.
Higginsport Embraces a New Vision for Slim Sallee Park
In Higginsport, the governor marked the start of a $6.3 million transformation of Slim Sallee Park, which will become a community and tourism hub. The project includes a fishing pier, overlook, event space, pedestrian pathways, restrooms, and an RV campground, opening the riverfront to both residents and visitors. This reimagined public space promises to reconnect the village with the Ohio River in a meaningful way, fostering community gatherings and new economic activity.
New Richmond Breaks Ground on Liberty Landing Redevelopment
Governor DeWine wrapped up the day in New Richmond to break ground on the Liberty Landing Redevelopment Project, which received nearly $13.5 million through the grant program. The ambitious project focuses on creating a walkable, family-friendly destination centered around the village’s charming downtown and Ohio River views.
Major features include a new public marina, an ADA-accessible floating dock, expansive event space, and streetscape improvements along Front Street. This revitalization is expected to make New Richmond a key destination for recreation, festivals, and tourism in the region.
A Statewide Vision for Appalachia’s Waterfronts
These three community projects are part of a larger $204 million investment through the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, supporting 12 counties across Ohio. The broader Appalachian Community Grant Program, initiated by the DeWine Administration and supported by the Ohio General Assembly in 2022, has committed $500 million to strengthen Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region.
“This is the result of bold ideas and a shared vision,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “We asked our local partners to dream big—and they delivered.”
From historical preservation to modern recreation and tourism infrastructure, these riverfront redevelopments are designed to restore the Ohio River’s significance—not just as a symbol of history, but as a modern economic engine and community anchor.
