Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization in Coal-Affected Appalachia (POWER)

power@arc.gov

Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) is a federally funded program of the Appalachian Regional Commission that provides funding for workforce and economic revitalization activities in communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

The program funds projects that:

• Will produce multiple economic development outcomes, such as promoting regional economic growth and diversification, new job creation, training and re-employment opportunities for displaced coal-economy workers
• Are specifically identified under state, local, and/or regional economic development plans
• Have been collaboratively designed by diverse state, local, and regional stakeholders

Priority areas include:

• Building a competitive workforce, including strengthening the healthcare sector, and working to improve health conditions that affect economic vitality
• Enhancing access to and use of broadband services
• Fostering entrepreneurial activities
• Developing industry clusters in communities

Project proposals should apply an equity lens and include intentional strategies that expand access, participation, and representation to underrepresented communities.

Funds are also available for technical assistance projects to assist communities and regions in developing plans and strategies for transforming their economic structures.

Eligible applicants include:

• Local development districts
• Tribes or a consortium of tribes
• States, counties, cities, or other political subdivision of a state, including a special purpose unit of a state or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions
• Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
• Public or private nonprofit organizations or associations

Projects should benefit one or more of the counties in the Appalachian Regional Commission service area.

Award range:

• Up to $50,000 for planning grants
• $400,000 - $2,500,000 for broadband deployment projects
• $400,000 - $2,000,000 for all other implementation projects

Project period: Up to 48 months, depending on the project type

Links to additional guidance and the application instructions are available on the program website.

Applicants are required to submit the online letter of intent by March 1, 2024. After submission of the letter of intent, applicants will receive login information for the online application portal. The application system opens on February 1, 2024, and the submission deadline is April 17, 2024.

Applicant webinar recording