Mahoning County Commissioners are awarding $1 million in ARP funds to a coalition of local organizations working toward long-term goals of helping Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

The Mahoning Valley Partnership consists of the Western Reserve Port Authority, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, Valley Partners, Youngstown Foundation, and Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

The idea is to achieve their goals by 2050.

So far, they've put together a list of initiatives supporting local businesses and nonprofits, the growth of arts and the workforce.

The partnership aims to collect a total of $1.4 million for projects in Mahoning County alone.

"It really fit the mold of what we have done as a board with ARPA funds," Mahoning County Commissioner Dave Ditzler said. "We always look to help people, help businesses, to help infrastructure."

Commissioners told 21 News they believe that long-term results are worth the investment.

"One of the things that we have struggled with here in the county is the fact that we didn't have seed funding," Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti said. "Here's an opportunity and these organizations have their nose to the grindstone."

The partnership has also reached out to Trumbull County Commissioners for an additional million dollars, a decision commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa says they're still discussing.

"It's not just about us," Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti said. "If Columbiana and Trumbull have a regional approach, they need to take out their checkbooks."