TCEDC secures $100K for village capacity building in Tuscarawas County

The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation  announced it has secured $100,000 for its Village Capacity Building for Tuscarawas County project, including a $50,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and a $50,000 local match.

The local match was organized by the Tuscarawas County Mayor’s Association and contributed by the 12 participating communities, with additional support from the Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County.

The project—funded through ARC’s READY Appalachia initiative and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—will support hiring an engineering consultant to work directly with the communities to develop individualized plans, identify funding sources and engage stakeholders to align projects with countywide growth and investment goals.

Participating communities are Baltic, Bolivar, Dennison, Dover, Gnadenhutten, Mineral City, Newcomerstown, New Philadelphia, Strasburg, Sugarcreek, Port Washington and Uhrichsville.

“The willingness of 12 different communities across the county to come together and align their efforts is a testament to their commitment to a better future for our region,” said Marla Akridge, project director for TCEDC. “This level of collaboration is unique, and we are excited to work with them to achieve sustainable, long-term solutions tailored to their needs.”

The project has received letters of support from all 12 communities. The project period runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Oct. 1, 2026.