Appalachian Area Development
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
20,000 Jobs created or retained;
20,000 students/trainees trained 22,293 businesses and households with improved infrastructure
18,702 jobs created or retained
46,513 students, workers and leaders with improvements
4,757 businesses strengthened
357 communities with enhanced capacity
22,000 students, workers, and leaders with improvements
22 businesses and households with access to improved infrastructure
2,500 businesses created or strengthened
250 communities with enhanced capacity
Program Objective
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.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State governments
- Local governments
- Private nonprofits
States, their subdivisions and instrumentalities and private nonprofit agencies.
Beneficiaries
- 16
- 4
- 5
- 7
- 8
State, local and not for profit organizations.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted and have the approval of the State member of the ARC. All proposed projects must conform to the State Strategy Statement submitted annually. Guidelines and forms for funding Appalachian development projects are available from the local development district director and the State Alternate's Office. A letter of transmittal signed by the State member and an executed ARC Form 1 may be required with the submission (contact individual State Offices as appropriate).
Award Procedure
Upon determination that the State approved project is eligible within a Commission approved Appalachian State Development Plan and Strategy Statement, the Federal Co-Chairman determines that the project satisfies all Federal requirements. If a basic Federal agency will administer the project it is then notified and will disburse the grant funds when appropriate. The ARC notifies Congressional Offices and the Office of the Governor of grant awards.
From 30 to 60 days after the receipt of the application at the Commission.
Program details & compliance
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The grants may be used for providing supplemental funds under Federal grant-in-aid programs. To be eligible for special basic grants, projects must be of high priority in the State's Appalachian development plan and be either of critical importance to a phased investment and development program for a multicounty area, or of unusual economic benefit to such area.
Required Documentation
Any finding, report, certification, or documentation required to be submitted to the head of the department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government responsible for the administration of the basic Federal grant-in-aid program shall be accepted by the Federal Co-chairman with respect to a supplemental grant for any project under such program. Projects must conform to the ARC Code, the ARDA Act, the State Appalachian Plan and annual State Strategy Statement. The Appalachian State Development Plan and the annual State Strategy Statement must be submitted by the Governors and approved by the Commission. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular applicable to the grantee.
Matching Requirements
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.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements