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.
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. …
Community Recovery Program’s Program Manager Lisa Smith with the Champions award for community collaboration.
Virginia

City of Martinsville, Henry, Patrick

Piedmont Community Services Board: Expanding Community Connection in Virginia

Community Recovery Program’s Program Manager Lisa Smith with the Champions award for community collaboration. Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Community Service Boards (CSBs) serve as joint partnerships between state and local governments to meet critical behavioral health needs in every county. Piedmont Regional Community Services Board has long served as one of…