Designated as the Local Development District (LDD) by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), SPC plays a lead role in identifying priority needs of local communities by working to foster economic development, to target and meet the most pressing needs, and to build community unity and leadership.

SPC undertakes projects through the Area Development Program that address the five goals identified by ARC in its strategic plan.

1. Developing a knowledgeable and skilled population
2. Strengthening the Region's physical infrastructure
3. Building local and regional capacity
4. Creating a dynamic economic base
5. Fostering healthy people

SPC seeks to build such projects as education and workforce training programs, highway construction, water and sewer system construction, leadership development programs, small business start-ups and expansions, and development of healthcare resources to meet the Area Development goals.

Eligible projects:

• Technical assistance that provides basic services to enhance business development
• Industrial site development
• Local access road
• Acquisition and development of incubator facilities
• Commercial area revitalization
• Telecommunications projects that encourage education and workforce training
• Telehealth monitoring
  

SPC’s role as the LDD is key to project development and review, providing technical assistance to local project sponsors and sending priority recommendations to the state.

All area development projects must be completed in close consultation with SPC. The grants are very competitive, and require both a pre-application and extensive full application preparation and review. Pre-applications are due each year in June, and full applications by the following January.

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State & Local Partnerships

SPC is designated by the U.S. Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as the Local Development District and by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) as the Economic Development District for Southwestern Pennsylvania. SPC members play a lead role in identifying priority needs of local communities by working with their citizens to foster economic development, to target and meet the most pressing needs, and to build community cohesion and leadership.

As the region’s Local Development District, SPC members work together through the Area Development Program to advance a wide range of projects, including education and workforce training programs; Appalachian Highway System Program projects and industrial access improvements; water and sewer system construction; leadership development programs; and, development of healthcare resources to meet the Area Development goals.

SPC works with its members and organizations throughout the region to identify projects for Appalachian Regional Commission and Economic Development Administration funding programs. 

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2010 Activities

In 2010, SPC’s Economic Development Strategy Committee reviewed, scored and prioritized projects, and recommended those projects to the Commission for submission to the Appalachian Regional Commission for funding consideration.

The following projects were awarded grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission in FY 2010:

Crystal Extension Phase III - Fayette County
This project will provide potable water to 38 households in the village of Crystal.  The availability of water will also benefit fire protection services and potential nearby commercial development.  

Greene County Airport Access Road – Greene County
The project entails construction of an access road on the north side of the runway to allow access to the corporate, commercial and private hangars that will be constructed at that location.  The road will also serve as an access to the EverGreene Technology Park, adjacent to the airport, allowing for efficient movement of goods and services via the airport.

Monaca Riverfront Park – Beaver County
This project will rehabilitate and improve an existing 3-acre riverfront park situated along the Ohio River in the Borough of Monaca for passive and active recreation for persons of all ages.  The improvements will connect the park to the neighborhood and the community by its attractiveness, activities and opportunities to picnic, walk, view, fish, play or enjoy an evening’s entertainment.

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For more information about the Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development Program, contact Jill Byers at (412) 391-5590 x343 or e-mail ARC@spcregion.org.

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