In The Region - October 1, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 39
ARC NEWS
Charting Economic Development Across the Region 🗺️
Have you ever used an ARC map? A better understanding of the Appalachian Region is just a click away:
🏛️ The map of Appalachian counties lays out local boundaries of all counties served by ARC. (The zip code map can help you determine if your project’s service area is eligible for ARC funding, too.)
📊 The local development districts map provides more information about the 74 entities that facilitate multi-county economic development.
🧭 The high-poverty-counties map helps track economic development progress. Since 1960, the number of high-poverty counties in Appalachia is down by more than 61%.
These maps and more are available now!
COMMUNITY
Alfred State College in Appalachian New York will use $150K in POWER funds to update its computer numerical control equipment. 🖥️Used by students in its manufacturing training and trades courses at both the Alfred and Wellsville campuses, the equipment is expected to improve hands-on training for 180 students.
Friends of Southwest Virginia will use ARC area development funds to investigate infrastructure needs and public asset opportunities along the Clinch River in Central Appalachia. 🏞️ The study will in particular evaluate continuing needs as the area rebuilds following 2024’s Hurricane Helene.
West Virginia University will use $1.6M in ARC funds to power its new teacher recruitment efforts. 🍎 The project supports three paths to recruiting and retaining high quality educators in the Mountain State, including allowing undergraduate teacher education students to finish clinical studies in their home communities.
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Brookfield teachers study at historic science lab, News on the Green
Canal Place awarded $700K ARC Grant for River Park Sediment Sampling and Management Plan,The Garrett County Republican
CMU researchers present Greene County workforce study,Herald-Standard
Central Appalachia
ARC awards Wise County, VA, over $500K for waterline replacement, WJHL
Bethany College awarded $400K ARC POWER grant to expand nursing education in Northern Panhandle, Bethany College
Nonprofit secures $2M federal grant for Eastern Kentucky economic growth, WYMT
Technology showcase highlights ways to build a better, safer future, Commonwealth Journal
Southern Appalachia
DeKalb County gets ARC grant for economic development upgrades, Alabama Political Reporter
Town of Brilliant, Wallace State receive nearly $578K in ARC grants, Fox 54
EVENTS
October 7–9, 2026; Corbin, Kentucky
Appalachian United Outdoors: Virtual Learning & Networking
October 8 & November 5, 2026; virtual
Broadband Listening Session: Capacity, Funding & Future Digital Economy
October 14, 2026; virtual
Economic Development Impacts of Completed ADHS Corridors
October 27, 2026; virtual
