Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Appalachia

On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), a once-in-a-generation investment in American infrastructure intended to make the economy more sustainable, resilient, and just.

Over the last two years, ARC has used BIL funds to launch our Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), expand our community capacity building work through READY Appalachia, increase investments to support Appalachia’s infrastructure, and much more.

Learn about the ways ARC has advanced opportunities in the region with support from the BIL.

ARISE

$136.3 Million Awarded to Multi-State Projects

ARISE aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects. As of December 3, 2024, $136.3 million has been awarded to 51 projects that move beyond borders to expand access to broadband, strengthen new businesses and industries, and more. More ARISE projects will continue to be announced.

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READY Appalachia

Training and Funding for Communities

READY Appalachia is ARC’s initiative to build individual, organizational and community capacity in the Appalachian Region through no-cost training and funding opportunities.

To date, training has been provided to 41  LDDs, 75 nonprofit organizations and 90 local government entities. Awards include $4 million through READY LDDs and $1.6 million through READY Nonprofits.

ARC is also making $9 million available for capacity-building projects through READY Grants to Grow.

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Impactful Community Investments

ARC has a long history of building strong, reliable infrastructure in Appalachia. With BIL funds, we’ve been able to support even more projects that improve water systems, construct space for food entrepreneurs, revitalize historic buildings for educational use and more. Explore some communities stories below.
Investment in Action

Hindman, KY: Overcoming Challenges and Upgrading Water Services 

Using BIL funds, the City of Hindman was able to overcome cost barriers to critical water system upgrades.
Investment in Action

Buckeye Hills Regional Council: Making Community Visions a Reality in Ohio 

Buckeye Hills Regional Council is using BIL funds to help the City of Athens revitalize historic buildings to meet community needs.
Investment in Action

Southwestern Commission: Creating Space for Western North Carolina Food Entrepreneurs

BIL funds are allowing the Western North Carolina farmers market construct a training facility that will serve 1,100 food producers.
Investment in Action

Western Maryland: Elevating the Outdoors

Two Appalachian Maryland counties used BIL funds to expand outdoor recreation by attracting new businesses and more visitors.

$5.5 Million Awarded for Flood Recovery in Eastern Kentucky

Using BIL funds, ARC awarded $5.5 million to continued recovery from the devastating floods that hit Eastern Kentucky in July 2022.

Read the Story

Looking Ahead

Within the BIL, ARC was allocated $1 billion dollars over five years, or $200 million annually, starting in Fiscal Year 2022.

We look forward to our continued use of these funds for initiatives and projects that pave the way for a stronger Appalachian Region.

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