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February 04, 2018 | Tom Ballard

ARC announces new RFP for POWER grants

ARCThe Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced last week that it has issued a new request for proposals for funding under its POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative.

The Congressionally-funded initiative targets federal resources to help coal-impacted communities and regions by cultivating economic diversity, enhancing job training and re-employment opportunities, creating jobs in existing or new industries, and attracting new sources of investment. The focus of ARC’s POWER Initiative for FY18 will remain on investments that are regional, strategic, and transformational and that maximize the economic revitalization of coal-impacted communities and regions. Priority areas for funding include developing a competitive workforce, enhancing access to and use of broadband services, fostering entrepreneurial activities, and developing industry clusters

According to the announcement, ARC will host five free workshops across the region over the next two months for community leaders, industry representatives, and economic development officials to learn about the objectives of the 2018 POWER Initiative. The closest locations to those in East Tennessee are:

  • Greenville, SC on February 20 (The Westin Poinsett Hotel); and
  • Daniels, WV on February 28 (The Resort at Glade Springs).

To date, ARC has awarded $94 million through the POWER Initiative to help coal-impacted communities in 250 Appalachian counties diversify and grow their economies. Recipients include Launch Tennessee and Rain Source Capital, a partner with Angel Capital Group.

A series of webinars is also planned. For more information, click here.


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