This EDA amended investment supports the columbiana county port authority with launching its economic recovery specialist program

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $209,678 Project Grant to the Columbiana County Port Authority (CCPA) to launch its Economic Recovery Specialist Program. The funding will support CCPA in providing dedicated economic recovery assistance to the region, which was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Recovery Coordinators will focus on business retention efforts to ensure local companies have the necessary resources to recover, analyze workforce development priorities, facilitate Opportunity Zone awareness, and cultivate entrepreneurial support infrastructure across Columbiana County. This funding is provided through the EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance (CFDA 11.307) program, which aims to assist regions experiencing adverse economic impacts.

The region's economy was devastated by the covid-19 pandemic, resulting in waves of layoffs and dislocated workers throughout columbiana county. As a result, local leaders and the authority determined that dedicated economic recovery support staff are necessary for the region's recovery from the pandemic. The recovery coordinators will conduct business retention efforts to ensure local businesses have the resources necessary to recover and will analyze workforce development priorities, facilitate opportunity zone awareness among the local business community, and cultivate a supportive entrepreneurship infrastructure throughout the county.