Written by: Nancy Bowen, OSU Extension Field Specialist, Community Economics
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced in October that they are investing almost $200,000 (50% grant match) in an initiative to assist the shale-gas region of eastern Ohio to achieve economic sustainability. This 3-year research and planning initiative will help to build on industry clusters, identify regional sector linkages, and implement a proactive strategic planning effort that leverages the burgeoning development of shale gas in the region. EDA is partnering with the Ohio State University Extension, including members of the Energize Ohio team, and four Economic Development Districts; OMEGA, Buckeye Hills, Eastgate and NEFCO, which represent the 25-county region.