GALLIPOLIS — Gallia County Economic Development today announced that it received a Local Economic Assistance Program grant awarded by AEP Ohio. The grant award of $5,000 will help the Gallia County Marketing Plan Project.

“We very much appreciate the support of AEP Ohio for this project,” said Melissa Clark, Gallia County Economic Development Director. “This project will support economic development efforts in Gallia County, Ohio”.

AEP Ohio’s Local Economic Assistance Program grants support projects that promote the retention and attraction for manufacturing jobs and investment. Examples of acceptable programs and projects are retention and expansion surveys, site feasibility studies, retaining existing industries, attracting new industries, conducting special studies, performing research and other creative uses.

Grant projects must leverage additional funds from other sources, demonstrate joint participation from more than one group and provide benefits to an area or region, according to AEP Ohio program guidelines. The company awards grants of up to $10,000 for eligible projects.

“We are pleased to be able to provide financial support to help facilitate economic development projects that help to bring jobs and prosperity to local communities,” said Pablo Vegas AEP Ohio president and chief operating officer.

AEP Ohio has offered grants to local economic development organizations since 2005. To date, 165 grants totaling $403,875 have been awarded to support projects in communities and counties throughout AEP Ohio service territory.

AEP Ohio serves nearly 1.5 million customers in Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. In Ohio, the company provides electricity to more than 920 communities located in 61 of the state’s 88 counties. In West Virginia, the company serves Ohio and Marshall Counties, providing service to approximately 41,000 customers. The company’s headquarters is in Gahanna, Ohio, with regulatory and external affairs offices in downtown Columbus. A subsidiary of American Electric Power and the largest of its regional utility divisions, AEP Ohio compromises Ohio Power Company and Wheeling Power.