Kentucky: Governor's Office for Local Development - Appalachian Regional Commission

What: The ARC is a federal-state economic development program designed to assist in the economic development of Appalachia through a diversity of projects in the areas of public infrastructure (water, sewer, solid waste, housing, and telecommunications), human resource development (education/workforce development, affordable/accessible healthcare, and leadership development) and business/entrepreneurial development.

Why: Historically, the far eastern region of Kentucky has lagged behind the rest of the nation in terms of economic development. The ARC grant program provides the region with financial assistance in creating jobs, developing a workforce, and providing health care and education services.

Who Can Apply? Local governments, special districts, and non-profit entities that include Kentucky's 51 most eastern and southcentral Counties are eligible to apply for the grant dollars. Thirty-four "distressed" counties also have access to a separate restricted allocation of funds. Please see ARC County Economic Status FY 2007 Edition for additional information.

Projects that are $400,000 or less are more competitive, the average grant size is $275,000.

Matching requirements are fifty percent (50%) for non-distressed counties and twenty percent (20%) for distressed counties. Federal Funds may not exceed 80 percent of the total project.

Examples of eligible projects are: water/sewer line extension and treatment expansion; telecommunication/broadband deployment; learning center development; education/workforce development training; industrial site development; asset-based development planning/activities; and, leadership development/civic capacity building.

Application Process: Pre-applications for Fiscal Year 2009 are being accepted.

2009 ARC Pre-Application

For additional information, please contact Peggy Satterly or Lynn Littrell.