What is the Appalachian Regional Commission?
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a partnership between the federal government and the governors of 13 states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia). Federal law (the Appalachian Regional Development Act) established the commission to supplement state and local government efforts enhancing the economic development potential of the Appalachian region. The law designates 420 counties (click here to view a map of the 29 ARC Counties in NC) eligible for assistance, and the Congress annually appropriates funds ($76 million in 2010) to help carry out development strategies adopted for each state and for the 13-state region. Unlike other federal grant programs, the states and the federal government jointly share in making all funding and policy decisions. The 13 state governments also support half the costs for administering the program in Washington and provide the st
