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Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

ARC in South Carolina: Area Development Program

South Carolina receives approximately $2 million in ARC Area Development funds annually; these funds may be available to eligible grantees through competitive grants. We anticipate approximately $3 million will be available for competitive grants for 2024.

To be eligible, a project must be located in the seven-county region of Appalachia and benefit residents of Appalachian South Carolina: Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union.

Eligible applicants include:

  • State and local agencies
  • Government entities
  • Local governing boards
  • Non-profit organizations

Projects must address one or more of the goals identified in the Commission's strategic plan: 

  • Building Appalachian Businesses: investments in entrepreneurial business development strategies that strengthen the economy of Appalachia
  • Building Appalachia’s Workforce Ecosystem: investments in improved education, knowledge, skills and health of residents to work and succeed in Appalachia
  • Building Appalachia’s Infrastructure: investments in critical infrastructure that is necessary for economic development to include broadband, transportation, water and wastewater
  • Building Regional Culture and Tourism: investment in the region's natural and cultural heritage assets that strengthen Appalachia’s community and economic development potential
  • Building Community Leaders and Capacity: investments that build the capacity and skills of current and next generation leaders and organizations to innovate, partner and advance community and economic development

FUNDING LIMITS

Construction Projects:                   $1,000,000

Non-Construction Projects:          $250,000

Planning Projects:                           $50,000

REQUIRED MATCH

  • 70% Local funds or other sources for Greenville County (Competitive County Status)
  • 50% Local funds or other sources for Anderson, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg Counties (Transitional County Status)
  • 30% Local funds or other sources for Cherokee County (At-Risk County Status)
  • 20% Local funds or other sources for Union County (Distressed County Status)

Additional leveraging is encouraged.

DEADLINES

November 20, 2023:  Pre-Application Requests Due

February 1, 2024:  Full Applications Due (By Invitation Only)

Recommended Project Start Date:  July-October

ARC in South Carolina: Local Access Road Program (LAR)

Upon completion of South Carolina’s portion of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), US Highway 25, remaining federal funds have been set aside to be used to fund local access roads that facilitate economic development and maximize the investment in the ADHS. South Carolina has approximately $10 million in funds remaining for the LAR Grant Program. LAR projects require coordination with SCDOT prior to approval.

FUNDING LIMITS

The State may approve project funding of 100% annually.

  • Applicants are limited to governmental entities
  • LAR Applications may be submitted anytime throughout the year
  • Projects require ARC’s approval, SCDOT’s approval and FHWA’s approval
  • Funds flow through FHWA and the SCDOT
  • Projects are initiated by the State’s ARC Alternate
  • Projects are approved for a specified dollar amount vs. cost to complete
  • Federal-aid highway procedures govern the project implementation
  • Local access road projects should be included in the State’s Multi-year Transportation Program

Eligible phases include:

  • Preliminary Engineering, Right-of-Way and Construction

DEADLINES

Applications can be submitted to the State Program Manager at any time throughout the year.

Do you have questions about ARC?

For questions or more information, contact the ARC State Program Manager at (803) 734-0429.