Appalachian Area Development

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.

States, their subdivisions and instrumentalities and private nonprofit agencies.

State, local and not for profit organizations.

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.

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.

Assistance is provided until completion; funds are transferred to the basic Federal agency and disbursed as appropriate. ARC reserves the right to withdraw grants for projects not under contract within 18 months of approval.

The State Alternate's Office is the coordinator for Appalachian investments. Preapplication conferences with the Appalachian local district director or the State Alternate's Office can determine within a few weeks if the project can be related to the State Appalachian development plan. The State Alternate's Office will provide guidance on specific problems and technical assistance in preparation of applications. An environmental impact statement may be required for this program, depending on the basic Federal grant-in-aid program being assisted. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. Only infrastructure projects require an environmental review. Please see 40. U.S.C. 14507.

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).

See APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS.

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.