Community infrastructure

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) for community infrastructure initiatives. The award, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028, supports regional economic development and infrastructure improvements aligned with ARC's strategic priorities to strengthen Appalachia's competitive position through strategic investments in community capacity and economic growth. As a local government entity serving southwestern Virginia, the county will leverage this funding to advance critical infrastructure projects that support the broader Appalachian region's economic diversification and community resilience.

The Appalachian Area Development program funds a range of activities including entrepreneurial and business development, workforce training and education, critical infrastructure (particularly broadband and transportation), and organizational capacity building. County of Wise's award represents one component of ARC's portfolio, which has obligated $1.63 billion in federal funding across 4,795 awards while generating an additional $2.84 billion in non-federal matching contributions. The county's track record of administering multiple prior ARC grants and sub-awards from state agencies demonstrates its capacity to effectively manage substantial federal funding mechanisms addressing regional infrastructure needs, emergency management, and community development priorities.