Program Areas

The Appalachian Regional Commission's programs address the four goals identified in the Commission's strategic plan: 1) Increase  job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation; 2) Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy; 3) Develop and improve Appalachia's infrastructure to make the Region economically competitive; and 4) Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia's isolation.

Each year ARC provides funding for several hundred projects in the Appalachian Region in a wide range of program areas:

• asset-based development; 
• community infrastructure; 
• education and training; 
• energy; 
• entrepreneurship and business development; 
• export and trade development; 
• health;
  
• leadership development and capacity building;
  
• telecommunications;
  
• tourism development; and 
• transportation and highways.

Special resources are targeted to the most economically distressed counties and areas.

The projects funded in these program areas create thousands of new jobs; improve local water and sewer systems; increase school readiness; expand access to health care; assist local communities with strategic planning; and provide technical and managerial assistance to emerging businesses.

See each program area for more information on ARC-funded projects and activities.