$8M planned for Ohio’s Appalachian region

(The Center Square) — Seven eastern and southeastern Ohio counties will share more than $8 million in federal grants expected to address coal-related job losses in the state’s Appalachian region.

The funding comes through the Appalachian Regional Commission, which announced a series of grants earlier this week that covers all 13 states in the region. The Appalachian region encompasses 423 counties and stretches from New York to Mississippi. West Virginia is the only state included in its entirety.

This week’s announcement was ARC’s largest Power investment since the initiative was launched in 2015. The projects impact 188 counties in 10 Appalachian states.

Ohio received $8.2 million that will go toward eight projects that support economic development for communities impacted by a lagging coal industry.

“In Ohio, we are making significant investments into our Appalachian region, creating a better place to call home, attracting new businesses, and supporting sustainable economic growth,” Gov. Mike DeWine, who serves as a member of the Appalachian Regional Commission, said. “This funding will support our work to help ensure all Ohioans have the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential.”

The projects are scheduled for Mahoning, Jefferson, Guernsey, Athens, Ross, Scioto and Lawrence counties. They include broadband connectivity, a manufacturing center at Shawnee State University, an educator consortium, skilled workforce development and a Black heritage program.

Officials say the programs are expected to strengthen various industries, such as advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, health care, and workforce development, enhance job training and employment opportunities, create jobs, and attract new sources of private investment in coal-impacted communities.

“By making defining investments like these, Ohio is creating a more vibrant economic future for the people who call Appalachia home,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, said. “The projects we are announcing today showcase the power of collaboration between local, state, and federal governments, as well as private organizations.

“By investing in local infrastructure and small businesses, we’re creating jobs and driving sustainable economic growth that will benefit generations to come.”