Appalachian Area Development

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, their subdivisions and instrumentalities and private nonprofit agencies.

See APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS.

Generally grants are 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 that are approaching national economic norms), funding is usually limited to 30% of project costs. Funding is usually not available for projects located in counties that have attained or exceeded national economic norms. If otherwise eligible for funding, projects involving construction assistance for housing under the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) (40 U.S.C. 14503) cannot exceed 10% of total project costs regardless of location. The ARC Code and "Appalachian Regional Commission Project Guidelines" furnish details.