GALLIPOLIS — Many counties rely heavily on state and government funding to push their communities into the competitive realm of economic development.

Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) Executive Director John Hemmings met with members of the Gallia County Caucus for the 2010 first round meeting to discuss FY 2011 funding options, funding requirements and accept nominations for the Gallia County membership.

In 2009, the Gallia Ohio 850 Access Road received $500,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funds.

There are currently no Gallia County projects listed for 2010, but Hemmings said awarding of funds is still under way.

In order to be eligible for ARC funds, a project must fall under one of four guidelines: will increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation; strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy; develop and improve Appalachia’s infrastructure to make the region economically competitive; build the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) to reduce Appalachia’s isolation.

County eligibility is decided by a county’s economic standing. Gallia County is currently considered “at-risk” and can receive a 70 percent grant rate up to $250,000.

Political subdivision, educational institutions, public institutions and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding through the ARC.

For funding under the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Gallia County falls into the 50 percent grant rate. The EDA offers aid through the public works and economic development program, the economic adjustment assistance program and the local technical assistance program.

Sometime between April and May 2010, the second round caucus meetings will take place where county projects will be ranked by the commission. The deadline for pre-applications to both ARC and EDA is June 25, 2010.

In addition, the OVRDC has joined forces with the 2010 United States Census to promote the importance of the study in obtaining government project funds.

“I can’t say enough about how important it is to get an accurate count,” said “They take data that comes out of the census to determine (the county’s) eligibility rates for the programs. Not only that but the money you get for the (Community Block Grants).