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    HomeNewsroomNewsARC Announces Nearly $46.4 Million to Continue Economic Transformation in Region’s Coal-Impacted Communities

      	
	
ARC Announces Nearly $46.4 Million to Continue Economic Transformation in Region’s Coal-Impacted Communities
	
			September 16, 2021POWER InitiativeEntire RegionPress Release
	
				
	
	
	***ARC’s largest POWER grant package to date will leverage entrepreneurship, workforce development, and infrastructure to bolster re-employment opportunities, create jobs in existing or new industries, and attract new sources of investment***.

**MATEWAN, WV, September 16, 2021:** Today, during a virtual event co-hosted by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization, ARC announced nearly **$46.4 million for 57 projects across 184 counties** to support economic diversification in the Region’s coal-impacted communities.

The funding for the projects was made possible through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which targets federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

“The downturn of the coal industry has impacted economies across Appalachia. That’s why ARC’s POWER initiative helps to leverage regional partnerships and collaborations to support efforts to create a more vibrant economic future for coal-impacted communities,” said **ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin**. “Many of the projects we announced today will invest in educating and training the Appalachian workforce, nurturing entrepreneurship, and supporting infrastructure—including broadband access. These investments are critical in leveling the economic playing field so Appalachian communities can thrive.”

“As our economy recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, it is critical to invest in Appalachia,” **said Governor Ralph Northam, ARC States’ Co-Chair**. “ARC’s POWER initiative will continue to build on the region’s strengths and address its challenges, driving growth and opportunity throughout Appalachia. These projects demonstrate how regional collaboration can spur innovation, encourage entrepreneurs, diversify our economy, and support the critical infrastructure needed to bridge the digital divide, all of which will allow Appalachian communities to recover and flourish.”

**IWG Executive Director, Brian Anderson, Ph.D.,** who hosted a panel showcasing best practices from previous POWER grant recipients shortly before the announcement said, “The Appalachian Regional Commission is doing vital and timely work on the ground supporting Appalachia’s energy communities. We are pleased to be their partner, and today’s forum was designed to help advance their mission by sharing information on funding available to coal communities and sharing ideas and best practices on strengthening coal-impacted communities and their economies.”

Since 2015, ARC has invested over **$287 million** in **362 projects** touching **353 counties** across Appalachia through the POWER Initiative. Together, these investments are projected to create or retain **nearly 35,000 jobs**, leverage more than **$1.5 billion** in additional private investment into Appalachia’s economy, and prepare tens of thousands of workers and students for opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband development, tourism, and other industry sectors. POWER investments also support workforce-to-recovery and other comprehensive strategies to strengthen the Region’s Recovery Ecosystem

ARC plans to announce additional POWER projects later this year.

**New Report Shows POWER Projects Exceed Key Targets**

ARC is working with Chamberlin/Dunn LLC, a third-party research firm, to monitor, analyze, and evaluate POWER investments. A new report, published today in conjunction with the announcement, found that projects funded through POWER grants met or exceeded targets for jobs retained and/or created, businesses created, workers trained, and revenues increased.

Additionally, the report drew on 72 stories representing 44 unique POWER projects funded between fiscal years 2015-2020 to determine the most significant changes that occurred as a result of the initiative. The analysis also showed that POWER grants:

Provide individuals with new career opportunities, skill building, and recovery from substance use disorderHelp businesses and organizations increase revenue or decrease costs, respond to needs of communities, and offer skill building to ensure adaptability and resiliencySupport economic diversification in the region, including building opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as supporting shifts to industries other than coal, such as tourismImprove quality of place, which includes increasing access to basic needs such as healthcare, food, and infrastructure, as well as enhancing opportunities to make communities more vibrantIncrease collaboration across jurisdictions

Chamberlin/Dunn is continuing to monitor POWER investments and make recommendations to ARC for ongoing programmatic efficiencies.



**About the Appalachian Regional Commission** The Appalachian Regional Commission (www.arc.gov) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Appalachian Regional Commission

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