Federal Grant Award Summary

County of Wise, Virginia, received a $875,000 Project Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) under the Appalachian Area Development program (CFDA 23.002), awarded October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028. This award supports community infrastructure development initiatives aligned with ARC's strategic priorities for regional economic competitiveness and self-sustaining development across Appalachia. The funding will advance critical infrastructure investments and economic development activities within Wise County in southwestern Virginia, consistent with the county's demonstrated capacity as a prime grantee managing substantial federal funding mechanisms for regional infrastructure, workforce development, and economic diversification.

The Appalachian Area Development program prioritizes five strategic goals: entrepreneurial and business development, resident education and workforce skills enhancement, critical infrastructure investment (particularly broadband, transportation, and water/wastewater systems), leveraging cultural and natural heritage assets, and building organizational and leadership capacity. As a local government entity with an established track record of administering multiple federal grants addressing community infrastructure, public safety, social services, and disaster recovery, Wise County will utilize this funding to deliver specific infrastructure and economic development products and services that conform to Virginia's state-approved Appalachian development plan and advance regional competitiveness in this economically distressed area.