Stephens Supports $500 Million Investment in Appalachia

COLUMBUS – The General Assembly has approved a measure to provide a $500 million grant program to help revitalize the Appalachian region of Ohio.

The Appalachian Community Grant Program, supported by State Representative Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill), would provide funding for permanent projects, transformative projects in the 32-county region of Ohio, including Vinton, Jackson, Gallia and Lawrence counties, through the Appalachian Planning and Development grants.

“The Appalachian Region of Ohio has been heavily hit by a recession, lack of work, a pandemic and now inflation,” said Stephens. “I’m pleased to see such a permanent improvement investment to help these communities thrive once more.”

Under the bill, the program will appropriated $500 million in fiscal year 2022 to implement two grant types.

The Appalachian Planning Grants will be available to assists developers with research, planning and project proposal costs, the development grants will be available to support the implementation of projects.

Priority will be given to projects that have region-wide impact, include a private-public partnership, are economically sustainable and prove to be transformative and sustainable to the region.

“These funds will be key to providing permanent development that will impact the lives of my constituents,” said Stephens.

The Department of Development will be responsible for administering the program in consultation with local development districts. 

House Bill 377 will now head to the governor for further consideration.