Program Areas

The Appalachian Regional Commission's programs address the five goals identified in the Commission's 2016–2020 strategic plan: 1) investing in entrepreneurial and business development strategies that strengthen Appalachia's economy; 2) improving the education, knowledge, skills, and health of residents to work and succeed in Appalachia; 3) investing in critical infrastructure–especially broadband, transportation, including the Appalachian Development Highway System, and water/wastewater systems; 4) strengthening Appalachia's community and economic development potential by leveraging the Region's natural and cultural heritage assets; and 5) building the capacity and skills of current and next-generation leaders and organizations to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development.

Each year ARC provides funding for several hundred projects in the Appalachian Region in a wide range of program areas:

• asset-based development; 
• community infrastructure; 
• education and training; 
• energy; 
• entrepreneurship and business development; 
• health;
  
• leadership development and capacity building;
  
• telecommunications;
  
• tourism development; and 
• transportation.

Special resources are targeted to the most economically distressed counties.

The projects funded in these program areas create thousands of new jobs; improve local water and sewer systems; increase school readiness; expand access to health care; assist local communities with strategic planning; and provide technical and managerial assistance to emerging businesses.