Appalachian Regional Commission
The focus of Virginia’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for Appalachian citizens. The ARC provides assistance in the long-term development of a chronically depressed region, which encompasses 23 counties and seven independent cities in Virginia. Special efforts are made to provide assistance to Designated Distressed Counties.
To encourage partnerships at all levels of government, the ARC relies heavily on support from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the local Planning District Commissions.
Annual ARC appropriations to DHCD for Virginia projects are approximately $2.5 million in the Area Development and Regional Initiatives Programs. Virginia also receives ARC Highway Funds for specifically designated ARC highway corridors. The Highway Funds are administered through the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Local participation in the ARC program is coordinated through the six local Planning District Commissions (PDCs).
The ARC was established by Congress in 1965 to support economic and social development in the Appalachian Region. The Commission is a unique partnership composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government.
Grassroots participation is encouraged and applicants include localities, PDCs, educational institutions, health organizations, nonprofit organizations, and others.
The ARC undertakes projects addressing the four goals identified in the organization’s strategic plan:
- Increase job opportunities and per capita income
- Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy
- Strengthen the physical infrastructure
- Build the Appalachian Development Highway System
To meet these goals, ARC assists in funding projects such as education and workforce training programs, highway construction, water and sewer system construction, leadership development programs, small business start-ups and expansions, and development of healthcare resources.
Virginia’s ARC program provides up to $500,000 for construction projects and up to $100,000 for non-construction projects. ARC projects require a dollar for dollar match by the applicant, unless the applicant is a Designated Distressed County by the ARC. Distressed counties provide a 20 percent match of the total ARC grant.
In the past year, ARC has provided approximately $2 million in funding for projects in three programs emphasizing community and economic development; the Area Development Program, the Asset-Based Development Program, and the Appalachian Telecommunications Program.
Project Descriptions:
- Area Development Program: Funds projects including new water service to communities, job training services, improved access to quality and affordable healthcare, and support for local artisan efforts.
- Asset-Based Development Initiative: Addresses the leveraging of cultural, natural, community, structural, and business/economic assets eligible for funding to build a strong and sustainable asset-based economy for jobs and prosperity.
- Appalachian Telecommunications Initiative: Designed to stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living in the region through technology-related avenues.
For more information follow the link to the forms and publications below, or call (804) 371-7061 or e-mail: PMOARC@dhcd.virginia.gov
Related Links
Forms
Publications
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