The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded the Town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia a Project Grant of $414,042 under the Appalachian Area Development program (CFDA 23.002) on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028. This award supports community infrastructure improvements designed to enhance regional economic development and quality of life for residents in the Appalachian region. Based on ARC's strategic priorities and the town's demonstrated track record with previous infrastructure grants, the funding is anticipated to support critical infrastructure enhancements such as broadband expansion, transportation infrastructure improvements, and water and wastewater system upgrades.
The grant represents a continuation of the town's federal investment in community development, following a prior $1.53M ARC award in 2023 that supported similar infrastructure initiatives. By funding these foundational infrastructure projects, the award aligns with ARC's core objective of making the regional economy more competitive through self-sustaining economic development while providing targeted assistance to distressed areas within Appalachia.