Norfolk Southern granting $500K to East Palestine for economic d - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

On the six-month anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment, Norfolk Southern is granting $500,000 for economic development in the village. 

This grant will fund an independent, private sector economic development consultant who will be hired by and work for the village, as part of the railroad company's long term commitment to the community. 

“As I’ve met with members of the community over the past six months, many have expressed interest in a long-term economic development strategy for East Palestine. We continue to take their direction on how we can help the community thrive,” said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan H. Shaw. “These funds will allow the village to hire a professional economic development consultant and create a plan to support long-term prosperity.”  

The consultant to the village and it's leaders will focus on helping the community to develop and implement an economic development strategy. They will undertake several initiatives, including engaging with the community and its business leaders, assessing the current state of the village's economy, setting up achievable economic development goals, as well as helping the Village implement a plant to foster and support economic growth. 

East Palestine officials will provide further information about the economic development role in the coming weeks.