Updates from OVRDC

Fall Full Commission

Registration Now Open!

Join us at the Ro-Na Cultural Center in Ironton, OH, on Friday September 25th, 2026 for our Fall Full Commission meeting. Whether you’re a member, committee participant, or guest, this gathering is a great opportunity to engage with regional development efforts and connect with fellow stakeholders.

Upcoming Broadband

Stakeholder Meetings

As part of a USDA broadband technical assistance grant, Reid Consulting Group has been working with OVRDC to document broadband progress across the region. The resulting county profiles provide local leaders, broadband providers and other stakeholders with a data-driven overview of awards, progress since 2024, remaining service gaps and opportunities for targeted fiber expansion.

Please contact Kim Gaffney to request an invitation to attend.

OPWC Round 41 Now Available

Interested local governments are encouraged to begin planning and developing applications for eligible projects. District 15 liaison Kim Reynolds is available to answer questions and assist communities through project eligibility, timelines, and program requirements.

Learn More Here

NRAC Round 21 Now Available

Funding is available through District 15 Natural Resource Assistance Council (NRAC) to support projects that preserve and enhance Ohio’s natural resources. The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund provides funding for eligible projects focused on protecting natural areas, restoring habitat, and improving outdoor recreation opportunities. Local governments, park districts, and other eligible organizations are encouraged to explore this funding opportunity and begin preparing projects for future funding rounds.

Learn More Here

Have a Business Looking

for Gap Financing?

Have a business looking to expand or relocate to the OVRDC region? OVRDC's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program provides low-interest gap financing to help bridge the difference when traditional financing isn't enough. If a business needs that extra boost to move forward, we'd love to discuss how our program can help. Contact Stephanie Gilbert today to learn more!

Learn More Here

Transportation Needs Survey

This survey is intended to gather information about the needs and available transportation options in the region. The Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) will use the survey results to help Mobility Managers understand the transportation needs of our community and how to develop plans so they are used more effectively and report those needs to ODOT.

Take the survey

Need a Letter of Support?

OVRDC is pleased to offer letters of support to projects in our region applying for funding that advance economic and community development interests of each county we serve. To request a letter of support, please submit the request below at least two weeks before the application deadline.

Submit a Request

Updates from our Partners

New Grant Opportunity for

River Communities

The Ohio River Commission has announced a new grant program to assist Ohio's 14 river communities in turning local opportunities into economic growth, preparing workers for in-demand careers, and attracting more visitors to the region.

Local governments, schools, career centers, nonprofits, ports, terminals, and economic development agencies are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding per project, with approximately $500,000 available in total.

Learn More Here

Approximately $120M Available in New Funding for Brownfield Remediation

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced approximately $120 million in new funding through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. The program helps communities clean up contaminated, abandoned, or underutilized properties and prepare them for future redevelopment and economic growth. Applications for the latest funding round open August 11, 2026.

Learn More Here

Ohio Public Works Commission Training: Best Practices For Submitting Disbursements

Wednesday, Aug 12 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join the Ohio Public Works Commission as they walk through the submission process, review common mistakes that can delay approval, and share practical tips to help ensure your requests are complete, accurate, and processed for payments as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Join Here

Save The Date & Nominations Open for Appalachian Heritage Success Stories

Tuesday, Dec 8 | 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

For more than a decade, Heritage Ohio and Ohio Hill Country Heritage Area have gathered with legislators in downtown Columbus to recognize Appalachians who are actively contributing to the success of their region and all of Ohio. Nominations are now open for the 13th Annual Appalachia Heritage Luncheon, which will take place on December 8, 2026, in the Capitol Building Rotunda at the Ohio Statehouse. Tickets are on sale now.

Learn More Here

Register Today!

Ohio Conference on Freight

Aug 24-26 | Hilton Columbus Downtown

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), the Ohio Association of Regional Council (OARC), and partners are pleased to announce the 2026 Ohio Conference on Freight will be held in Columbus, Ohio August 24-26 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.

The Ohio Conference on Freight attracts over 300 professionals from the private and public sectors and from numerous states and the provinces in the U.S. and Canada who are deeply involved in freight and the economy.

Learn More Here