Governor Youngkin recommends over $5 million in ARC funding for 13 projects to boost Appalachian development
Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced a major step toward revitalizing Virginia’s Appalachian communities, recommending 13 strategic projects for funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). If approved later this year, these projects will receive a total of $5.356 million in grants aimed at driving economic growth, preserving regional character, and addressing local needs.
“These projects represent the strong entrepreneurial spirit and economic innovation of the Appalachian region,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “ARC plays a crucial role in empowering our Appalachian communities to address their unique challenges, capitalize on their unique assets and drive positive change throughout the region.”
The ARC, formed in 1965, is dedicated to helping the Appalachian region reach economic parity with the rest of the country. Virginia’s ARC region includes 25 counties and eight independent cities in Southwest Virginia. The program’s focus is on building a strong, sustainable, asset-based economy that supports local job creation and long-term prosperity.
State Leadership Supports Community-Driven Projects
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura emphasized the importance of placing decision-making in the hands of local communities. “The Youngkin Administration is committed to fostering economic growth that reaches every corner of our Commonwealth, including our vital Appalachian communities,” Segura stated. “These strategic investments address locally identified priorities, empowering communities to build upon their unique strengths and resources.”
The projects selected were designed through collaboration between local stakeholders and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which evaluates and recommends proposals to the Governor. Once reviewed by the Governor’s office, the projects are sent to the ARC for final approval.
Maggie Beal, Interim Director of the DHCD, highlighted the program’s role in empowering smaller communities. “ARC funding serves as a crucial catalyst for transformation in Appalachian Virginia, empowering communities in ways that respect and preserve the region’s unique heritage and character,” she said. “The program’s flexibility enables us to provide targeted assistance where it’s needed most, filling critical funding gaps and giving our Appalachian communities the resources they need to build on their distinctive strengths and assets.”
What Comes Next
The ARC will finalize its review and make its final decisions on the 13 proposed projects later this year. While the specific list of projects was not immediately released, the funding promises to support initiatives that reflect the unique identity and long-term vision of each community involved.
These investments are part of Virginia’s broader commitment to equitable development, ensuring that rural and Appalachian communities have the tools and financial support needed to grow economically while maintaining the values and culture that define them.
The following projects are recommended for funding to the ARC:
