Bird Applauds $500 Million Appalachian Community Grant Program

COLUMBUS - Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties, which include Brown and Clermont counties, are becoming center stage after the signing of House Bill 377. The measure includes the new $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program, announced State Representative Adam Bird (R-New Richmond). 

“I was proud to support this program on the House floor. Appalachia hasn’t received the attention it deserves in recent years,” said Bird. “This program is a sign of tangible change that the people of Appalachia have been waiting for. I’m looking forward to the projects the 66th House District will produce.” 

The bill creates two different types of grants counties will be able to utilize, Appalachian Planning Grants and Appalachian Development Grants. 

Appalachian Planning Grants are available to counties to assist with research, planning and project proposal costs. Development grants will be available to support the implementation of projects. 

Priority will be given to projects that include the following characteristics: 

• Region-wide impact
• Evidence-based
• Include a private-public partnership
• Economically sustainable
• Prove to be transformative to the region. 

“Appalachia has a massive amount of potential and this funding will propel the area to new heights,” said Bird. 

The Department of Development will be responsible for administering the program in consultation with local development districts.  Responsibilities include developing an application process and eligibility requirements. 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the measure into law this afternoon, it will go into effect in 90 days.