In The Region - September 17, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 37
ARC NEWS
47 New POWER Projects
Today, we announced $45.5M in new Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative (POWER) investments supporting 47 projects across eight Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
These new awards will help communities expand opportunity through job creation, workforce training, industry growth and new private investment.
Every $1 invested in POWER projects attracts over $3.50 in private capital to the region's coal communities. Since 2016, ARC has invested over $518M to help coal communities build stronger economies. This investment has created or retained nearly 54,000 jobs and prepared nearly 190,000 workers and students for careers in advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture and other growing industries.
Together, our newest POWER grantees are helping to deliver a bright future for Appalachia. ⚡
COMMUNITY
Nearly $1.5M in POWER funds are behind the recent launch of West Virginia University’s STEAM Innovation Alliance. 🔎 The project brings students, entrepreneurship experts, educators and community partners together to connect education with real-world problem-solving.
Scottsboro, Alabama, will use $500K in ARC funds to expand the capacity of the nearly 60-year-old Hood sewer lift station. Upgrades will include adding additional pumps, modifying the holding tank, upgrading piping and electrical systems, and adding flow monitoring equipment. 🔧
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
The downtown covered pavilions could be hosting events this time next year, Zanesville Times Recorder
Town of Jay to host outdoor recreation planning events, Daily Gazette
Central Appalachia
Erwin Utilities awarded more than $67M in disaster relief funding, Johnson City Press
Fall color forecast: Expect a season of contrasts across Appalachia, ETSU
Southern Appalachia
EVENTS
Broadband Listening Session: Infrastructure, Technology & Deployment Reality
September 30, 2026; virtual
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
