Athens City Council members will likely pass a resolution Monday night, opposing proposed budget cuts to the Appalachian Regional Commission and declaring that it plays an important role in strengthening economic growth in Athens and Southeast Ohio.
At last week’s meeting, council members reacted to President Donald Trump’s proposed budget that would eliminate funding for the commission. The City of Athens and Ohio University have both benefited from the ARC, having received millions of dollars from the commission over the years.
“Without the ARC, so many programs would lose money, money this area needs, and there is no replacement where we can get this funding,” Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, said at last week’s meeting. “We need to pass a resolution to advocate that ARC is fully funded or, if anything, receives an increase in its budget.”
Council will also pass a resolution suspending the noise ordinance in preparation for Ohio Brew week, a nine day festival that brings in about 45 breweries for residents and tourists to try.
This year’s Brew Week will last longer than past ones as Brandon Thompson, the executive director of the event, requested that the last day of the festival shuts down at midnight this year, instead of at 11 p.m. like previous years.
“This year we’re hoping to have more people participate and we’ve seen people are willing to stay later,” Thompson said during a February council meeting.
Council members are also making plans for sidewalk improvements at the intersection of West State Street and Lancaster Street. The improvements include replacing the traffic signals.
