The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) provides supplemental funding for economic development projects under its Area Economic and Human Resources Development Program. These funds can supplement another federal or state-administered federal fund up to a total of 80% federal funding in a project. Eligible activities include access roads, water and sewer system installation, rail spurs and dock facilities. No grant funds may be expended on any form of electric power transmission or land acquisition costs. A committed industry, either new or expanding, is mandatory. No speculative projects will be considered. Factors to be considered in an application include number of new jobs to be created by the project and capital investment. There are 37 counties in North Alabama that are within the ARC region.

Advantages

• A grant.
  
• Can bring federal participation up to 80% of eligible project cost.
  
  

Use of Funds

• Access roads; Water/Sewer installation; Rail spurs; Dock facilities.
  
  

Source of Funds

• Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
  

Limits

• $200,000 maximum or 50% of total project cost spent on serving more than one industry.
  
  

Eligibility

• Manufacturing.
  
• Warehousing.
  
• Industrial (potential to serve two or more industries).
  
• Must be in ARC region.
  
  

Ineligible Uses

• Companies relocating.
  
  

General

• Pre-applications accepted September through October.
  
  

LOCAL CHAMBER ASSISTANCE
The Chamber of Commerce can assist in contacting the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments.