Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman
October 17, 2022 | Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for awarding over $8.4 million in POWER grants to communities around Ohio. POWER grants are a congressionally funded initiative that targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America’s energy production. These funds will give these entities the ability to support Ohio communities in their effort to utilize the economic development of that area.
“These ARC POWER grants are great news for Ohio. This much-needed funding will help ensure that towns and communities across our state have the resources they need to address emerging infrastructure needs, expand broadband in underserved areas, and bolster workforce training – leading to increased economic development in the Appalachia region,” said Senator Portman.
The following entities received grants:
- Carroll County: $1,999,000 to build out broadband services in underserved areas of Carroll County
- Rural Action, Inc.: $1,500,000 for their Appalachian RESILIENCEY (Restoring our Environment, Supporting and Investing Long-term in EcoNomies and Careers for Youth) program
- Economic and Community Development Institute: $1,500,000 for their rePOWERing Main Streets: Fostering Entrepreneurship Across Appalachia program
- Access Tusc: Bridges to Wellness Pathways Hub: $1,381,028 for their workforce training program REACH: Rural Employment Advocating for Community Health
- Youngstown State University: $1,154,880 for the YSU broadband and 5G readiness program
- Washington State Community College: $803,698 to help expand the nursing workforce in Appalachia
- Ohio University: $50,000 for their FlyOhio program, planning for advanced air mobility in Ohio’s Appalachian region
- Appalachian Ohio Manufacturer’s Coalition: $50,000 for career and technical education planning
- Western Reserve Port Authority: $49,970 for a Trumbull County broadband preliminary engineering study
NOTE: Portman sent letters of support on behalf of Carroll County and Youngstown State University to ARC’s Federal Co-Chair Tim Thomas.
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