Investments in Action

Every year, ARC investments support hundreds of economic development projects benefiting Appalachia’s 423 counties. Projects align with one of five goals outlined in our current Strategic Plan. The resulting investments ultimately help Appalachian communities address economic disparity and advance prosperity.

Explore stories from ARC projects and partners across the Appalachian Region.

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Virginia

Scott, Tazewell

Appalachian Sustainable Development: Laying the Groundwork for Recovery in Virginia 

It takes innovative thinking to address the substance use disorder crisis, which continues to disproportionately affect the Appalachian Region. How can communities grow support services and workforce opportunities for individuals in recovery? For Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) in Southwest Virginia, their answer is simple: local food.
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Industrial Commons: Revitalizing Southern Appalachia’s Textile Manufacturing Industry

ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a funding opportunity driving large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects. ARISE projects support the development of new businesses, industries and opportunities across the region.  One such industry is textile manufacturing, which…
North Carolina

Watauga

High Country Food Hub: Investing in Storage Capacity Reaps Rewards

Building Appalachia’s infrastructure has been an ARC investment priority for nearly 60 years, especially the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure systems, highway and utility access, expanding broadband, and developing sites to attract new businesses. ARC’s Area Development Program invested $92.1 million in community infrastructure Fiscal Year 2022. When…
Virginia

City of Bristol

Bristol, Virginia: Wastewater Treatment Enables Textile Industry Growth

Building Appalachia’s infrastructure has been an ARC investment priority for 58 years, especially the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure systems for water, sewer, energy and stormwater. ARC’s Area Development Program invested $66.8 million in water and sewer projects in Fiscal Year 2022. When thinking about economic growth, however,…
Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Central Appalachia: Growing Opportunities Through Local Food

Since 2015, ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions in projects working to create jobs, fuel new industries, and prepare workers and students for new opportunities in coal communities. The largest POWER funding package to date was awarded in October 2022, with particular momentum for one emerging sector: local food. …
Pennsylvania

Cambria

Startup Alleghenies: Empowering the Cycle of Entrepreneurship

Since 1974, JARI has supported the economic growth and diversification of Pennsylvania’s Southern Alleghenies region. Their service area in Greater Johnstown, Pennsylvania, historically relied on the steel and coal industries, and like other Appalachian communities needed to broaden its local and regional economic bases to improve long-term vitality.  In order to best carry out its…