In the Region - June 25, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 25
ARC NEWS
Local Governments: Apply Now for Training and Funding Access
Local government officials looking to better identify, secure, manage and implement federally funded economic development projects can apply now to READY Local Governments.
During this virtual nine-week training program, participants will build skills alongside a cohort of other Appalachian officials. 💪
Following successful completion of the training program, participating organizations are eligible to apply for up to $50K in funding (no match required) to implement internal projects that help them address their communities’ economic needs.
Interested in applying?
📝 Read the Notice of Solicitation of Applications.
👨💻 Register now for a pre-application webinar on July 9 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
✍️ Submit an application by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 31, 2026.
New Report: Economic Impact of ADHS Corridors 🛣️
Completed corridors of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) are major drivers of economic opportunity across the communities they serve.
According to a new ARC report, these corridors spur growth by opening access to new opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, tourism and related sectors. They also serve as critical connectors to other strategic assets, including industrial sites and regional transportation networks. 🚛
Learn more about how the ADHS is helping propel growth across Appalachia.
COMMUNITY
West Virginia officials gathered in Randolph County to celebrate the opening of a new 11-mile stretch of Corridor H within the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS). Approximately 112 miles of Corridor H are now open to traffic. 🚗
West Virginia University’s Cyber Resilience Resource Center is using POWER funds to help local organizations improve their digital security. 🔒 The student-driven and faculty-led center partners with businesses, nonprofits and local governments.
Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, will use $2M in POWER funds to improve their industrial chemistry program. Funds support the purchase of modern equipment, curriculum enhancements and expanded educational and training opportunities. 🧪
AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES
POWER Applicants: Pathways Office Hours July 6
Attention, coal communities!
Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative applications are due July 8. ⚡
If you’ve been working through your application in our grant management system, Pathways, and have questions, join our virtual office hours. 💻 ARC staff will be on hand from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET on July 6 to help. (You can also access Pathways user resources online.)
Applicants are encouraged to bring their Pathways questions to the office hours; capacity to answer last-minute emailed questions may be limited.
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Hopedale secures $567K for street work, News-Herald
Jefferson County broadband expansion enters next phase as officials seek provider bids, WTOV 9
Central Appalachia
ARC holds leadership graduation in Charleston, Charleston Gazette-Mail
ARC report shows improvement in regional economic indicators, Kingsport Times News
Southern Appalachia
Calhoun Community College cranks up diesel technology training program, Huntsville Business Journal
EVENTS
Pathways Office Hours
July 6, 2026; virtual
Orientation to Appalachian Region Healthcare Technical Assistance Center (ARH-TAC)
July 9, 2026; virtual
Maryland Grant Application Workshop
July 16, 2026; Cumberland, Maryland
Alabama Grant Application Workshop
July 23, 2026; Montgomery, Alabama
Pennsylvania Grant Application Webinar
August 6, 2026; virtual
2026 SOAR Summit
October 7–9, 2026; Corbin, Kentucky
