Jessie Powers spends a lot of time looking for money.
Between searching for federal grant opportunities and organizing local match campaigns, the executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia knows how much every dollar counts.
It’s why Congressional Democrats’ decision to resurrect earmark spending, a provision in the congressional appropriations bill that allows members to direct funds to their districts, holds so much potential for the Athens County council of governments.
“It’s not another handout,” Powers said. “This is the kind of an opportunity to reevaluate what is considered economic opportunity in a rural setting.”
ORCA is in the process of pitching their congressman, Rep. Steve Stivers, a Republican from Hilliard, to use his earmark allocation to fund part of the $2.5 million remaining dollars needed to complete the Baileys Trail system, which will eventually cover 88 miles of trails for cyclists, hikers