Appalachian Regional Development (See individual Appalachian Programs)

To help the regional economy become more competitive by putting in place the building blocks for self-sustaining economic development, while continuing to provide special assistance to the Region's most distressed counties and areas. This program focuses on activities which support ARC's mission to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. Activities funded must advance ARC's strategic plan. Specific program goals are: (1) Invest in entrepreneurial and business development strategies that strengthen Appalachia's economy; (2) Increase the education, knowledge, skills, and health of residents to work and succeed in Appalachia; (3) Invest in critical infrastructure�especially broadband; transportation, including the Appalachian Development Highway System; and water/wastewater systems; (4) Strengthen Appalachia's community and economic development potential by leveraging the Region's natural and cultural heritage assets; and (5) Build the capacity and skills of current and next-generation leaders and organizations to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development. Specific objectives were developed for each goal. Grants are made either directly by the Commission or grants may supplement other Federal grants.

States, and through the States, public bodies and private nonprofit organizations. All proposed projects must meet the requirements of the State Appalachian plan and the annual State strategy statement, both of which must be approved annually by the Commission.

For the Area Development program, grants are generally limited to 50% of project costs. For projects in counties designated as At Risk, this limit can be raised to 70% and in economically Distressed counties, it can be raised to 80%. For projects in counties designated as Competitive (those approaching national economic norms), funding is usually limted to 30% of project costs. Funding is usually not available for projects located in counties that have attained or exceeded national economic norms. For the Appalachian Development Highway Sysyem, funding for work is allowed at 100%, wherever the project is located. Amdinistrative grants to Local Development Districts are generally funded at 50%. These grants may be increased to 75% upon request by a state in Districts where distressed counties are located. See the ARC Code for additional information.