Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects: FY 2009–FY 2016

May 2020
Jeff Hughes, Maureen Berner, Austin Thompson, Shadi Eskaf, Leigh-Ann Krometis, Tiffany Drape, Julia Cavalier, Grant McMillan, Ethan Smith
UNC Environmental Finance Center and Virginia Tech

This report presents an evaluation of 379 drinking water and wastewater projects funded by ARC between fiscal years 2009 and 2016. The research team found that communities value the drinking water and wastewater projects, as evidenced by high demand, their key role in project completion, and how they serve to attract and actively leverage additional public and private sector funding. Findings showed the grant portfolio successfully targeted the neediest locations, led to significant improvements in local economic conditions, and met or surpassed locally determined performance goals. Room for improvement still exists in some areas, including better data gathering and evaluation processes.

Full Report in PDF (5 MB)

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Kentucky: Vanceburg Combined Sewer Overflow Phase I	North Carolina: Universal Building Water Line Expansion
Tennessee: Kingsport Sewer System Upgrade	Virginia: Big Caney Phase V Water Project
West Virginia: Mercer/Summers Phase IV-A Water Line Extension WV