The Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) has been awarded $50,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to perform a business park site feasibility study.
This award is part of a recently announced $47 million package supporting 52 projects in 181 coal-impacted counties. ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities.
“We appreciate the ARC funding that will help BCDA identify land for a new business park,” said James Gonsman, BCDA Chair. “With easy access to interstate highways and major markets, Bedford County remains a prime location for businesses to expand or relocate.”
“Bedford County Business Park II is a result of years – decades – of planning, hard work and millions of dollars in investment. This grant is especially timely due to recent sales that have reduced the inventory of available lots.” noted Bette Slayton, BCDA President & CEO.
This is the largest single POWER awards package to date since the initiative launched in 2015. “Our coal-impacted communities are a vital part of Appalachia’s 13 states and 423 counties—when our coal communities thrive, our entire region is uplifted,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “This latest round of POWER grant funding will not only help struggling coal communities to once again compete in a global marketplace, but also expand support for the creation of new jobs through growing Appalachia’s food economy.”
About the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.