Buckeye Hills Regional Council has released its 2024 pre-application for communities and organizations seeking funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Area Development Program.
Completing the pre-application is the first step for local officials working with Buckeye Hills to pursue project funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and other state and federal partners. Buckeye Hills Regional Council is committed to assisting stakeholders across Southeast Ohio with identifying and securing resources that strengthen the region’s communities.
“When applicants submit a pre-application, it helps the Development staff at Buckeye Hills learn about upcoming projects important to our region’s communities,” said Development Director Sam Miller. “Recent ARC-funded projects in our region have supported access roads, broadband infrastructure, business expansion, healthcare upgrades, water and sewer upgrades and expansions, student development, and job creation and retention. These projects have provided clean drinking water, greater healthcare access, STEM education programs, upskilling of employees, and a stronger tax base for villages and counties.”
ARC pre-applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Projects should focus on supporting local business, workforce development, community infrastructure, and regional culture and tourism. Projects must serve residents in one or more of the eight counties served by Buckeye Hills: Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington. Pre-applications may be submitted online at buckeyehills.org/arc.
Newly updated for 2024, the ARC pre-application collects basic information about projects, including contact information, project description, type and readiness, regional impact, project partners, and total project costs.
“Not all projects will be selected to receive funding, but it is important for Buckeye Hills staff to learn about all of these projects so we can share these needs with our state and federal partners,” said Miller. “The projects submitted help paint a picture of the investments needed in Southeast Ohio. As projects are reviewed, our staff are able to discuss them with other agencies and help cultivate projects for future funding.”
The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. Local Development Districts, like Buckeye Hills Regional Council, collaborate with the ARC to promote regional strategies for partnerships, progress, and prosperity. To maximize the ARC’s investments in Ohio, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia (GOA) was formed in 1986 to enhance those opportunities with state matching funds for projects.
Inquiries, concerns, or guidance regarding ARC pre-applications may be directed to Emma Yeager, Development Specialist, at eyeager@buckeyehills.org or 740-376-7661.
Applicants seeking ARC Area Development funding must complete the pre-application by May 31, 2024.
