Holmes Supports $500 million Investment in Appalachia

COLUMBUS – The House of Representatives passed House Bill 377 Wednesday, a measure that will provide $500 million in grant funding for the Appalachian region of Ohio.

The Appalachian Community Grant Program, supported by Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), will fund sustainable, transformative projects in 32 counties including Muskingum and Guernsey.

“The Appalachian Region of Ohio has been economically impacted by pandemic policies and now inflation,” said Holmes. “This is exactly the kind of investment these communities need.”

The bill creates two different Department of Development grants; planning grants to assist developers with research, planning and proposal costs, and development grants to implement the projects. 

Priority projects will be those that have a demonstrable region-wide impact, a private-public partnership and are economically sustainable.

“These funds are key to providing meaningful, long-term development that will accelerate economic recovery in Appalachia,” said Holmes. 

House Bill 377 now heads to Governor DeWine’s desk for signature.