Chavez Announces Funds for Appalachian Community Innovation Centers

COLUMBUS —State Senator Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) 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 serve the Appalachian communities well and will provide centralized access to healthcare, workforce training, and education for residents," said Chavez. "I encourage all who are eligible in my district to apply for this transformational program." 

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.