GALLIPOLIS - Economic development grant funding is currently available from the Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Foundation (SOACDF), according to Don Branson, its executive director.

The SOACDF was created by the 123rd Ohio General Assembly and directed by the legislature with supplying agricultural and economic assistance to southern Ohio's tobacco counties.

Its purpose is to replace the production of tobacco in southern Ohio with the production of other agricultural products and to alleviate the negative economic impact of reduced tobacco production in the region by preparing, implementing, and keeping a plan to develop means for tobacco growers to grow other agricultural products voluntarily.

SOACDF has allocated funds for economic development projects to Gallia County for the 2008-09 funding cycle in the amount of $290,000, as Gallia County is home to 14.5 percent of the tobacco farms in Ohio.

Eligible applicants for grant funding include political subdivisions, public non-profits including port authorities and community improvement corporations, and private sector businesses/industries with job creation/retention as a component of the project. Colleges and universities are also eligible to apply for projects that are driven by the private sector.

All those interested must submit applications to their SOACDF County Review Committee.

Applicants may apply for up to 35 percent of the cost for projects that will create, retain or expand job opportunities for residents in Gallia County. The economic development funds may be used for capital improvements or the purchase of fixed assets for business.

For more info, contact Richard Stephens, OSU extension, at 446-7007 or visit www.soacdf.net and click on economic development.