In New Richmond, an Ohio River community of 2,500 nestled along the banks of the Ohio River in Clermont County, residents are celebrating receipt of a United States Department of Transportation grant aimed at boosting local heritage tourism.

According to this Community Press & Recorder story, the $190,000 funding through the National Scenic Byways Program will aid in the construction of a river observation deck in the midst of the village’s downtown area. Village economic development officials are hoping that once there, visitors will proceed to shop in local shops and eat in local restaurants.

The new deck is part of an overall economic development strategy with heritage and cultural tourism as its focus. Construction comes at a time when investment is being made into local heritage attractions, such as the Dr. John Rogers House. According to the story, “Rogers is known for, among other things, being the doctor who delivered President Ulysses S. Grant, being the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society and working to help fund the abolitionist newspaper The Philanthropist.”

Click here to access the website of Historic New Richmond, a local group dedicated to preserving the history of this unique and valuable Ohio place.

Photo Credit: Springer House, New Richmond/firesign/Creative Commons License