Kentucky ARC Area Development Program
Kentucky ARC Area Development Program supports Appalachian Kentucky communities through infrastructure, business, workforce, and planning projects to create jobs and improve access to health care and education.
Funder: Commonwealth of Kentucky
Due Dates: Rolling from August 1, 2026 (FY2027 pre-applications)
Funding Amounts: Required match: 20%–70% by county status; non-construction projects generally three years or less
Summary: Supports infrastructure, business, workforce, and planning projects advancing economic development in Appalachian Kentucky.
Key Information: Full applications are invitation-only, at the governor’s discretion and subject to available funds.
Description
Kentucky’s Department for Local Government administers the Area Development Program through the federal-state Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) partnership. The program invests in critical infrastructure and business and workforce development to create jobs, strengthen the workforce, and improve access to health care and education in Appalachian Kentucky.
Supported work includes water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, housing, entrepreneurship, worker training, food systems, and leadership development. Projects may include learning centers, industrial sites, asset-based development, and civic capacity building. Planning grants support economic development plans, strategies, feasibility studies, and future construction design; implementation grants support delivery of eligible construction and non-construction activities. Projects must advance both ARC and Kentucky strategic goals and objectives.
