Funding to support the development of Eastern Kentucky set a new record. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development Program received $47.7 million in fiscal year 2023.
This is the most funding the ARC has ever granted to a state in a single year from the program. The funding supports economic opportunity and job training through 44 projects across the Appalachian region.
In a recent press release, Gov. Andy Beshear details his commitment to helping every county in Appalachian Kentucky. In 2023 Beshear served as the states’ co-chair of the ARC and hosted the annual ARC conference in Ashland.
“The ARC has been an amazing friend to Kentucky for years, and the funds announced this year show how strong their commitment is to our future,” said Gov. Beshear. “It has been an honor to serve as the states’ co-chair and to help move projects forward in Kentucky and across the region. By working together at the local, state and federal levels, we’re accomplishing amazing things.”
Area Development Program projects are approved at the federal level based upon the recommendation of Gov. Beshear. The funds are administered at the state level by Kentucky’s Department for Local Government.
Projects that received ARC funds from this program in fiscal year 2023 include:
- $4.4 million to the Perry County Fiscal Court to install water infrastructure at the site of the future Skyview housing development, which will provide 125 homes to flood victims in its first phase of construction;
- $4.3 million to the Big Sandy Water District to rehabilitate aging water infrastructure in Lawrence County to improve service for 200 homes and two businesses;
- $1.5 million to Paintsville Independent Schools to help create the Paintsville STEAM Academy for students from grades 7-12 to take courses in manufacturing, engineering and health services;
- $1 million to the Hazard Community and Technical College to assist in expanding its heavy equipment training program;
- $1 million to the Bell County Fiscal Court to construct a steel manufacturing facility, expected to create 100 jobs over the next few years; and
- $984,000 to the Breathitt County Water District to help extend waterlines to service 18 homes with public water for the first time.
The ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. Its mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
For more information about the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), visit https://www.arc.gov/.
