In The Region - September 24, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 38
ARC NEWS
60 Communities Selected for READY Local Governments
Congratulations to the 60 local governments selected to participate in our READY Local Governments Training Program!
Each participating community will take part in nine weeks of virtual training designed to help local leaders better identify, manage and implement federally funded economic development projects. 🛠️
Once participants complete the training program, they are eligible to apply for up to $50K in funding (no match required) for projects that will help them better meet local economic needs.
Check out the full list of READY Local Governments participants.
COMMUNITY
A 20-mile section of U.S. Route 46 between Richlands and Grundy,Virginia, gained improved cell phone service through the completion of a $4.4M ARC-supported cellular infrastructure project. 📱 The area now has six new cell towers to serve motorists, residents and businesses.
Red Bay, Alabama, will improve its water supply by using $500K in ARC funds to repair and reopen a water well. Residents and businesses will benefit in several ways, including through increased access to water for local firefighters responding to emergencies.
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Pittsburgh breaks ground on $25M Smithfield Street overhaul to spur downtown investment, Pittsburgh Business Times
Fidelity Bank reopens historic Scranton Electric Building as $30M corporate center, Pennsylvania Business Report
Central Appalachia
Water project inching closer in Newburg, Dominion Post
WVUP and BridgeValley partner to expand manufacturing education, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
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
Economic Development Impacts of Completed ADHS Corridors
October 27, 2026; virtual
