Though Appalachian Ohio got some good news recently with the announcement of hydrogen hub locations in our region, it is encouraging to know our representatives in Washington, D.C., continue to push for more.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office has announced $1.25 million to the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, for small and medium manufacturers in Appalachia. Brown, D-Ohio, says the funding is meant to grow production in energy and technology sectors.

“Rural communities and workers have been overlooked for too long. If we want to promote economic development throughout Ohio, we need to ensure that businesses and communities in Appalachia have the tools and resources they need to grow,” Brown said. “Investments like these help rural communities and small towns in Ohio create jobs and attract businesses and workers to the area and become sustainable epicenters of future investment. I’ll continue to fight for funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission, so it can continue to empower our communities.”

For its part, the ARC says the money — for technical assistance, training, supply chain mapping and diversification support, and guidance on factory upgrades and product expansions, in addition to helping manufacturers increase their energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and attract and train workers — is part of a $10 million effort to help grow production in clean and green energy sectors in our region. Perhaps a bit optimistically, the ARC claims the investment is expected to create 5,500 jobs and serve 1,100 businesses.

At least in this case, that optimism seems to be fueled by sustained support from those working on our behalf in Washington. While our communities are certainly grateful for the infusion, surely those same representatives know we’ve got one request: Keep it coming.