[ economy ]
The Mountain State
An Investment Priority
Every year , the Appalachian Regional Commission ( ARC ) provides funding for hundreds of investments in the Appalachian region . The product of a federal , state and local government partnership , the regional economic development agency ’ s funds are designated to areas that meet its goals of creating economic opportunities , a ready workforce and critical infrastructure and leveraging natural and cultural assets , leadership and community capacity .
The Appalachian region is made up of 420 counties from 13 states , but West Virginia is the only state that falls completely within its boundaries . Since its inception in 1965 , the ARC has proven that the Mountain State is worth the investment . In Fiscal Year 2019 , the ARC , in partnership with the West Virginia Development Office , supported 47 projects in the state totaling over $ 22.5 million . These investments have been matched by $ 36.3 million and are attracting an additional $ 17 million in leveraged private investments . They are also creating or retaining nearly 1,900 jobs , training and educating more than 4,000 students and workers and benefiting the 1.8 million residents in West Virginia ’ s 55 counties . This infographic illustrates how funds are being used to make a difference in distressed areas across the state .
Investments in Action
With support from the ARC , the public wastewater collection system is being extended in Pocahontas County to provide new services to
110 households ,
Critical Infrastructure
invested in WV ’ s critical infrastructure development , including broadband , transportation and water / wastewater systems
seven businesses and
two industrial customers .
This project is eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater and potentially attracting new manufacturing jobs and investments .
Leadership and Community Capacity
Economic Opportunities
invested in entrepreneurial strategies to strengthen WV ’ s economy
Additional Priorities invested to build the capacity and skills of Appalachia ’ s current and next-generation leaders and organizations in WV to advance community and economic development invested to increase the education , knowledge , skills and health of WV ’ s residents and leverage natural and cultural assets
Source : www . arc . gov
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