| About GOA |
|
|
| Projects utilizing either
state or federal Appalachian funds must meet one of the following goals:
|
|
I. |
Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity
with the nation. |
|
II. |
Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global
economy. |
|
III. |
Develop and improve Appalachia's infrastructure to make the region economically
competitive. |
| IV. |
Build the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) to reduce Appalachia's
isolation. |
|
Grantees should contact the Local Development Districts for more specific
information on each program.
|
|
The purpose of the Governor's Office of Appalachia is to
represent the interests of the 29 Ohio Appalachian counties in state
government.
The counties, designated as Appalachian by the U.S. Congress in the Appalachian
Regional Development Act of 1965, were selected because they were part of a
region that needed the opportunity to accommodate future growth and
development. In addition, the counties needed to demonstrate local leadership
and coordinate planning so that housing, public services, transportation and
other community facilities would be provided. Also, a program needed to be
developed that was compatible with the values and traditions of the region
while enhancing the quality of life for residents of the region.
The Governor's Office of Appalachia (GOA) facilitates economic and community
development in the 29 Appalachian counties of Southeastern Ohio. The office is
involved with both short- and long-term planning. It also serves as an advocate
for the region by developing policy and promoting specific projects and
proposals that originate from the region's residents.
GOA manages the Ohio Appalachian Development program, coordinates the planning process and sets the direction of ARC funding within the State of Ohio with the three local development districts. These three districts are Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BH-HV RDD), the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) and the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC). Each of these districts comprises specific counties within the 29-county region.
The GOA advises local groups and residents about possible
funding sources and methods to address problems. It acts as a liaison to
connect people and resources. The office also works with the Appalachian Task
Force, the official citizens advisory group for the region.
Program goals and
objectives are established and projects are identified to receive
ARC funding. All projects are funded through one of four area
development goals: 1. Increase Job Opportunities and Per Capita
Income; 2. Strengthen Capacity of the People; 3. Develop and
Improve Infrastructure; and 4. Build the Appalachian Development
Highway System.
Under the Distressed Counties Program, counties which are
identified as economically distressed by the ARC are eligible for funding.
Projects focus on providing badly needed public facilities, especially systems
to furnish clean drinking water and sanitary waste disposal, and human resource
projects, such as literacy training.
In administering the ARC funding programs, a series of linkages has been
established with a wide assortment of local, state and federal agencies.
|
|
|