Rep. McNally Announces $959,488 in Increased Appalachian Community Grant Program Funding for Youngstown Businesses

Funding supports sustainable and transformation outcomes in 32-county Appalachian region

October 2, 2023

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the awarding of $959,488 in increased state funds from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia within the Ohio Department of Development for two Youngstown planning firms working with eligible lead applicants of the Appalachian Community Grant Program.

“These federal dollars are a direct investment in the Youngstown workforce, getting local eyes and ears to help shape community improvement,” said Rep. McNally. “I am thankful Youngstown professionals will help plan and consult on this grant program, which in turn will bring attention to a much-needed region of the state.”

The Ohio Department of Development’s Appalachian Community Graph Program is funded by $5M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

The $959,488 received by two Youngstown firms are designed to strategically invest in projects that will result in sustainable and transformational outcomes for the 32-county Appalachian region and include health care, infrastructure, and workforce components. The grant program was opened in October of 2022, and only local government and government-related entities were eligible to apply. The increase in funding was awarded to:

MS Consultants, Inc. an increase of $949K, from $575K to $1.5M.
CT Consultants, Inc. an increase of $10K, from $772K to $782K.

The Controlling Board request states that contracts for the Appalachian Community Grant Program must be executed by September 30, 2024, to meet ARPA compliance and be completed by September 20, 2026.