Rep. McNally Announces $250,000 in Department of Development Technical Assistance Grants for Mahoning County

Funding supports projects in health care, infrastructure and workforce

March 20, 2023

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) announced that on March 20, 2023 the State Controlling Board approved $250,000 in technical assistance grants from the Ohio Department of Development’s Governor’s Office of Appalachia for groups within Mahoning County as part of their Appalachian Community Grant Program.

“Every corner of our state is in need of investment, and that is certainly true for our rural communities,” said Rep. McNally. “These dollars from the federal government are a promise kept by President Biden and I’m thrilled to see them at work in my district.”

The Appalachian Community Grant Program, made possible by $500 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars, strategically invests in projects resulting in sustainable and transformational outcomes and includes health care, infrastructure, and workforce components. Only local government and government-related entities from the 32-county Appalachian region are eligible to apply as Eligible Lead Applicants, although collaboration at a high level is encouraged. $250,000 in Appalachian Technical Assistance Grants are available per county, with the Ohio Controlling Board making 22 total grants for the 2023 fiscal year at $7,664,179.

“Quality planning and development takes time and expertise. Funding these local partners is how we ensure that this federal investment of ARPA dollars is made in a helpful and beneficial way in our communities,” said Rep. McNally.

The technical assistance grant funding, which was awarded as part of an initial round of funding for projects that must be completed no later than October 31, 2026, is focused on assisting with costs associated with planning and designing eligible development projects and/or the coordination with Development’s procured planners from a previous Ohio Controlling Board meeting. The funding can be used to defray costs associated with planning, researching, and writing development proposals for a project or group of projects.

The competitive grants awarded in Mahoning County include:

$100,000 for the City of Youngstown
$2,000 for Rural Action, Inc.
$75,000 for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber