Local governments and eligible organizations in Chattooga County have only a few days remaining to submit pre-applications for the next round of Appalachian Regional Commission funding.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs says pre-applications for Fiscal Year 2027 ARC funding must be submitted by 5 PM Friday, October 9. Applicants whose pre-applications are approved will have until October 30 to submit full applications.

The program is particularly significant for Chattooga County, which is classified by the Appalachian Regional Commission as a Distressed County for Fiscal Year 2027.

Chattooga is the only Georgia county carrying the distressed designation in the current funding notice. That status provides a more favorable funding match than is available to most other counties in Georgia’s Appalachian region.

Eligible projects in Chattooga County can receive ARC funding based on an 80 percent federal share and 20 percent local match. By comparison, counties classified as transitional generally qualify for a 50-50 funding match.

Under the Fiscal Year 2027 funding opportunity, ARC funding is available for projects of up to $1 million.

Projects must address at least one of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s major investment goals. Those include building and strengthening businesses, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, regional culture and tourism, and developing stronger community leadership and capacity.

Georgia has also identified several priorities for the funding. Those include downtown development, new or improved infrastructure, resilient communities, support for rural economies and workforce development.

Infrastructure projects can be especially important for rural counties. ARC funding can be used to help communities improve utilities and other infrastructure needed to attract businesses, support existing employers and accommodate future economic development.

Eligible applicants include local governments and authorities, nonprofit organizations, and qualifying public or nonprofit educational and healthcare organizations.

Chattooga County has previously benefited from Appalachian Regional Commission funding. The county’s current Community Work Program identifies ARC funding as a source for continued revitalization of the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville.

Applicants planning construction projects should also be aware that a full application requires a Preliminary Engineering Report or Preliminary Architectural Report prepared by a qualified professional.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a partnership between the federal government and 13 states designed to promote economic and community development throughout the Appalachian region. Georgia has 37 counties included in the ARC service area.

With Friday’s pre-application deadline approaching, eligible Chattooga County governments and organizations seeking funding for future economic development, infrastructure, workforce, tourism or community projects will need to begin the process this week.

Sources:

Georgia Department of Community Affairs — Appalachian Regional Commission Fiscal Year 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity
Georgia Department of Community Affairs — Appalachian Regional Commission Program Information
Chattooga County 2026-2030 Community Work Program