Federal Grant Award Summary

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded a $620,000 Project Grant to the Cleburne County Commission for community infrastructure development under the Appalachian Area Development program (CFDA 23.002). The award, effective October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028, supports infrastructure improvements that strengthen economic development and community capacity in the Appalachian region. As a community infrastructure project, the award likely focuses on critical infrastructure investments such as broadband expansion, transportation improvements, or water and wastewater system upgrades—key priority areas identified within ARC's strategic framework for promoting self-sustaining economic development in distressed Appalachian counties.

Under the Appalachian Area Development program, the Cleburne County Commission will implement activities aligned with ARC's five strategic goals: supporting entrepreneurial and business development, enhancing resident education and skills, investing in critical infrastructure, leveraging natural and cultural heritage assets, and building local leadership capacity. The project must conform to Alabama's state Appalachian development strategy and be approved through ARC's established application and award process, which includes environmental review requirements for infrastructure projects and oversight coordination through the State Alternate's Office.