Governor’s Office Announces First Projects Funded Through New Appalachian Community Grant Program

On March 20, 2023, the Ohio Department of Development issued this statement announcing the first major development projects that will be implemented with funding from Ohio’s $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program. 

Over $50 million in grant funding was provided to the first four projects, which were selected due to their “shovel-ready” status and will impact communities across Athens, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Mahoning, Meigs, and Perry counties. 

“These transformational projects will help change the trajectory for families across Appalachia,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “With improved infrastructure and access to healthcare and workforce training, these families will be able to live out their dreams in their own communities.”

The application period for the next round of development funding through the Appalachian Community Grant Program is expected to open in November 2023. Full program guidelines are available at development.ohio.gov/AppalachianCommunityGrant.