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Local leadership cohort urges Mason County to seek Appalachian Regional Commission membership
Summary
At a Mason County Fiscal Court meeting, economic development director Tyler McCue and a local leadership cohort described the potential grant benefits of petitioning to join the Appalachian Regional Commission and asked the court to support community outreach and awareness.
Tyler McCue, Mason County economic development director, told the Mason County Fiscal Court that a local leadership cohort is recommending the county explore petitioning to join the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
The cohort’s project, McCue said, is to increase public understanding of the ARC and “possibly in the future petition to have Mason County added to that commission.” He said nearby Ripley, Ohio — which is a member — received $865,800 in ARC grants in 2022 as an example of funding available to member communities.
The request did not ask the court to take immediate formal action; McCue asked only for the court’s support in helping the cohort raise awareness. "We would really appreciate your all supporting this as we sort of, just give the community an idea of what the commission is and how important it could be for us in securing grant funding," McCue said.
Why it matters: ARC membership can open federal grant opportunities focused on economic development, infrastructure and workforce projects for counties inside its boundary. McCue showed a map to illustrate that Mason County sits adjacent to ARC-designated counties and argued that county voters and officials should consider whether petitioning is warranted.
What was said: McCue described the cohort’s tour of services and state government in Frankfort and summarized grant examples. He and court members discussed outreach and next steps but did not set a formal timeline or file a petition during the meeting.
Next steps and context: The cohort is concluding its 2024–25 program and will pursue local education efforts. Court members voiced appreciation for the cohort’s work; no formal vote or commitment to file a petition was recorded in the transcript. Any future petition would require follow-up actions and likely additional discussion about costs, expected benefits and the formal petition process to the ARC.
