Appalachian designation brings $500,000 to three counties

YOUNGSTOWN — About $500,000 will be available this year for projects in Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties that create jobs or spur economic development.

Last year, the three counties were added to the Appalachian Regional Commission, making them eligible for additional federal funding.

Eastgate Regional Council of Governments will be the local development district for the ARC.

In a meeting with officials from Eastgate and all three counties Monday, Lou Gentile, assistant director of the Governor’s office of Appalachia, said about $500,000 will be available in federal dollars this year.

In subsequent years, that amount will likely increase as state dollars also will be available.

Read more in Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com