Brenner Announces Funds for Appalachian Community Innovation Centers

COLUMBUS - State Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) today announced the guidelines for the $85 million Appalachian Community Innovation Centers program. 

An Appalachian Community Innovation Center is a facility that will serve as a multi-faceted community center that provides access to public education, community health services, and workforce development. 

"These funds will increase access to healthcare, job opportunities and training, and education in an area of the state where finding all of those things in a central location can be extremely difficult," said Brenner. "I encourage all those who are eligible in my district to apply." 

Eligible projects include:

• New construction, renovation, or expansion of existing facilities that support public education;
• Physical or behavioral healthcare services onsite to support students and the public;
• Community access for job-related programming. 

The state was awarded this funding from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund. School districts, joint vocational school districts, regional councils of government, and other political subdivisions located in the 32 Appalachian counties may apply here.

The application deadline is March 21, 2024.