Athens, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced a $100,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant to Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs to develop Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Assistance Services to Ohio’s Appalachian businesses, communities and residents.
Governor Strickland, who was joined by Ohio Representative Debbie Phillips, announced the award at Ohio University in Athens. This award will support a portion of Representative Phillips’ current proposal for an Energy Resource Center at Ohio University’s Voinovich School.
This announcement is one of several this week as Governor Strickland travels the state to demonstrate Ohio’s commitment to a growing advanced energy economy.
“Coordinating Ohio’s abundant energy resources and opportunities -- and making that information accessible to our businesses and residents -- is an important part of our strategy to grow our advanced energy industries and create new Ohio jobs,” Strickland said. “Strong collaboration, as Ohio University is proposing, is crucial to strengthening Ohio as a global leader in the 21st Century energy economy.”
The Center will provide entrepreneurs, local governments, non-profits and residents access to information on energy technology development, financing opportunities, and training and project assistance. The project will include collaboration with state agencies and Ohio’s colleges and universities with the goal to synchronize local, state and federal initiatives around advanced energy.
This program will build upon the Voinovich School’s recognized strengths in business development, information management and its 30-year history of working with all levels of government.
This announcement comes on the eve of Governor Strickland’s welcoming remarks at the Appalachian Regional Commission Annual Conference in Athens. The conference, titled New Energy. New Jobs. New Opportunity for Appalachia, will bring together experts from the private, public and energy industry sectors to discuss the trends in and critical resources for America’s new energy economy. Ohio is hosting the 13 Appalachian states for the three-day national conference.
This week, the governor is touring several advanced and renewable energy businesses and incubators, and announcing new initiatives to promote Ohio’s role as a global leader in developing and supplying next generation energy technologies.