Welcome to Appalachia Trumbull. Mahoning, and Ashtabula (Youngstown, Warren: live, design)

[vec101]

Grew up in Trumbull County but have lived in West Virginia for MANY years now. Love WV but have become frustrated at times defending the Appalachian "tag" when talking to friends and relatives from my hometown. Imagine my surprise when just informed that Trumbull, Mahoning, and Ashtabula are now also labeled Appalachia. Boy, I can't wait to rib my friends and relatives.

"U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, R-Bainbridge Township, said three Northeast Ohio counties will finally be added to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a designation that will give the counties a leg up on access to federal, state, local and private funding.

[SIZE=3]Ashtabula[/SIZE], Trumbull and Mahoning counties will now join 29 of Ohio's 88 counties that already carry the ARC distinction.

Counties that obtain Appalachian status fight to keep it because the designation itself creates an environment conducive to federal, state and local investment. "

Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning counties get ranking for federal funding

[Ohiogirl81]

It's a little silly, I'd agree, but it doesn't mean that you'll hear banjo music the next time you walk the banks of a nearby creek. It's just another avenue to the federal dole.

[CortlandGirl79]

Hey, doesn't bother me a bit. If it means Youngstown/Warren, etc can get more federal funds to improve infrastructure and attract jobs i'm all for it.

[Sam_in_ND]

It's not like its that much of a stretch anyhow, Columbiana County has always been in Appalachia. The three counties that were added are in a similar geographical area particularly Mahoning and Trumbull, and Ashtabula County is the same as Erie County. I think it will surely help the region, who cares if there is a "tag".