To Bridge the Rural Gap, Northup-Hoover Should Look at Ky Version of Ohio's Gov's Office for Appalachia

Anne Northup and Jeff Hoover have made it their “goal… to bridge the gap between the urban center of Louisville and the rural areas across the state, particularly in the south-central Kentucky communities that remain strongholds of Republican voters.” One policy worthy of their consideration might be Ohio’s Governor's Office of Appalachia.

Such an effort could build on the GOLD program, tie into the regional universities, community colleges and private colleges serving Appalachian Kentucky, and make multi-county collaboration a key goal.

Here’s what the G.O.A. does in Ohio:

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.

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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.