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A new report indicates that record investments, largely due to federal climate and infrastructure funding, have been made in the Appalachian region over the past few years. However, these could be at risk due to a budget reconciliation bill Congress is considering that could cut funding. Data from the Center for American Progress shows that since the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2021, Ohio has seen an investment boom of $11 billion, creating over 4,700 jobs, leading four Appalachian states with a total of $40 billion in public and private investments.
Appalachian Region Suffers Potential Economic Losses Due to Funding Cuts
A recent report highlights significant investments in the Appalachian region, attributed to federal climate and infrastructure funding. However, a budget reconciliation bill under congressional review threatens to reduce funding, impacting union jobs and private investment.
Dana Kuhnline of ReImagine Appalachia expressed concerns about losing funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as a significant portion was allocated for communities affected by manufacturing and industry loss. Data from the Center for American Progress indicates that Ohio has seen over $11 billion in investments and created 4,700 jobs since 2021.
Rike Rothenstein of ReImagine Appalachia notes that Ohio leads four Appalachian states with a combined $40 billion in public and private investments, boosted by federal funding. She credited private investment as the primary driver of the region’s economic revival. Federal investments in clean energy manufacturing and transportation technologies totalled around $128 billion between 2022 and 2024.
Appalachian Trail’s Centennial Marred by Federal Funding and Staffing Issues
As the Appalachian Trail celebrates its centennial, conservation groups fear that funding freezes and layoffs at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service could hinder maintenance of the 2,200-mile trail, which sees over 3 million visitors annually and contributes $11.8 billion to Ohio’s outdoor recreation economy.
Hawk Metheny of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy emphasized the importance of federal support for land conservation and public access, especially in the wake of extreme weather events damaging the trail. Various Ohio-based groups assert that public lands and trail systems provide essential health and tourism benefits.
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