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    HomeARC’s Investment Priorities for AppalachiaExpanding Critical Infrastructure in Appalachia

        
	
Expanding Critical Infrastructure in Appalachia
	
			
	
				
	
	
	Infrastructure developments—such as water and wastewater systems, broadband, and transportation networks—play a critical role in Appalachia’s capacity to compete in the global economy. ARC’s infrastructure investments leverage additional resources that attract new business, create jobs, increase household income, and strengthen the Region’s economy.




	



Investment Impact    
    
    Fiscal Year 2020      
              $70.6M
      
              Invested in 154 Projects											  


Fiscal Year 2020      
              9,058
      
              Jobs Created and Retained											  


Fiscal Year 2020      
              68,020
      
              Businesses and Households Served

Learn more about ARC’s Investment Process.





	


  
Basic Infrastructure
          
                      Many Appalachian communities continue to lack basic infrastructure or require significant improvements in order to achieve long-lasting community economic development. ARC’s investments in critical infrastructure, like adequate water and wastewater systems, directly benefit the Region’s economic development, public health, and natural resource protection. These projects open up land for new development, allow new and existing businesses to expand, and help create and retain jobs. Additionally, these projects are highly leveraged with funding from local communities and other state and federal funding agencies.





	


  
Broadband and Data
          
                      Investments in broadband deployment, smart grids, and access to information technology are investments in Appalachia’s future. Reliable and affordable broadband gives local businesses access to the digital marketplace, facilitates online learning and workforce development, and connects communities. Smart grid technology improves efficiencies in providing utilities such as water and electricity. ARC’s investments in broadband and data infrastructure are helping Appalachian communities—especially those in distressed counties and areas—compete and participate in the modern economy.
ARC also represents the region’s interests in national discussions as a member of the American Broadband Initiative, the Broadband Interagency Working Group (BIWG), and the Consumer Advisory Committee at the Federal Communications Commission.





	


  
Transportation Systems
          
                      An efficient transportation system is critical to the Region’s future economic success. Reliable transportation systems ensure that people can safely and successfully access opportunities, services, and markets through highways, railways, and ports. Highways have been part of ARC’s core mission since 1965, when we began working with state transportation departments and other partners to develop the Appalachian Development Highway System and Local Access Roads. Ultimately, transportation investments aim to link Appalachia’s residents, businesses, and communities with each other and the rest of the nation.





	



Appalachian Development Highway System

      Appalachian Development Highway System corridor
																				
								

  Local Access Road Program

      Country road near barns
																				
								

  Freight Management and Intermodal Transportation





	


  
Cumberland Main Street Program
      
      Downtown Revitalization
          
                      ARC is dedicated to improving the region’s communities by investing in downtown revitalization projects, such as pedestrian and bike infrastructure and streetscaping. These projects, which often integrate traditional water/sewer and broadband infrastructure, aim to support small businesses and make Appalachia’s downtown districts vibrant places to live, work, and recreate.






	

Investments in Action        Corridor H
							
															Corridor H, a section of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), links central West Virginia with Virginia.
							
															Learn More





	



Related Content    
    
    Report      
      Economic Analysis of Completing the Appalachian Development Highway System: Technical Report
																				
																	

  Report      
      Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects: FY 2009–FY 2016

      Water Tower in Appalachia Appalachian Regional Commission

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