No Tennessee entity wins in latest round of awards under ARC’s POWER initiative
Tennessee failed to win a single grant when the latest round of awards were announced last week under the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) POWER initiative. The acronym, which stands for “Partnerships for Opportunity and Wo4rkforce Economic Revitalization,” targets federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
Last week’s announcement awarded nearly $21 million for 21 projects impacting 211 counties in seven states. This brings the total funding ARC has invested to more than $316.6 million in 393 projects across 358 coal-impacted Appalachian counties since POWER’s establishment in 2015. During that period, there have been 17 successful applications from the Volunteer State, the most recent being to the ReFrame Foundation of Jonesborough in 2021 to conduct feasibility studies and help organizations develop project plans and implementation proposals to promote safe, healthy, and affordable homes that support the work of home repair and rehabilitation partners across Appalachia.
Considering all 393 projects, ARC’s investments are projected to have helped create or retain more than 36,600 jobs and prepare nearly 14,300 workers and students for new employment opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband development, tourism, and other emerging industry sectors.
