Last week Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 377 into law establishing the Appalachian Community Grant Program to the tune of $500 million. The program provides the historically economically disadvantaged region with much needed funding dedicated to sustainable, transformational projects. The program aims to rejuvenate the region and stimulate economic growth through improvements in infrastructure, workforce development, and healthcare across its 32 counties. Infrastructure improvements are geared towards downtown revitalization efforts and community outdoor space projects with an emphasis on art, history, and culture. Improvements in workforce development may encompass technical, educational, or clinical infrastructure and public-private partnerships are encouraged. The program’s healthcare component emphasizes in-school and community-based services to address children’s physical and behavioral health needs along with services to address substance use challenges facing the community. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development through the Governor’s Office of Appalachia in collaboration with local development districts in the region. Interested applicants and community members should contact their local development district to find out more information on how to apply for grant funds and to share their vision for a vibrant Appalachia Ohio.
Please refer to the following links for more information:
Governor’s Office of Appalachia
Eastgate Regional Council of Governments (Ashtabula, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties)
By Emily Freeborn, Esq., Fair Shake Staff Attorney
