Speak up in support of ARC funding

Speak up in support of ARC funding

Updated 8.05.25:

Advocacy works! As of last Tuesday, July 29, the request by the Trump administration to significantly cut funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission was denied in majority by the House of Representatives.

Update 9.07.25 :

Full funding was NOT restored.  The House Appropriations Committee voted for the commission’s funding but reduced it to $163 million after subcommittee negotiations, an improvement from the proposed 93% cut, but not the full amount requested. Rep Riley Moore, R- WV – introduced an amendment that helped save the funding.  https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-moore-amendment-restores-funding-appalachian-regional-commission-annual
Here is  the voting record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2023/h536
Virginia Foxx -R-NC –  voted to cut the funding.
Morgan Griffith – R-VA –  voted against the cut in funding.

 

The New River Conservancy is asking it’s members, donors and volunteers to take a few moments to send a letter of support for full funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

Last October, New River Conservancy (NRC) was awarded $500,000 by ARC to create an action plan for improvements and expansions to the New River Water Trail in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The New River Action Plan aims to significantly advance regional outdoor economies by creating a multi-state water trail that stretches over 200 miles. Involving 20 counties, the plan will include a comprehensive river inventory, a branding strategy, best practices for maintenance, and shovel-ready design plans to create a single standard for river access across several types of facilities.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership entity 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.

ARC is a unique federal-state partnership focused on economic and community development in the Appalachian Region. It provides funding and support to address economic disparities and improve the quality of life for residents in the region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.

There is a proposal to cut ARC funding by 93% — from over $200 million to just $14 million.  The New River Action Plan is just one of the things that would be compromised if this were to happen.

Take Action

Please remember when writing your letter: Be Kind – Be Respectful – Be Sincere.

Here’s a sample letter, but feel free to make it your own:

To: Honorable (Congressman/woman)

I live in (where are you from), where support from the Appalachian Regional Commission is helping my community thrive. Please ensure full funding for the ARC. 

Thank you,

(Your Name)

If you would like to send a postcard or email, please send it to the following:

Virginia’s 9th District

The Honorable H. Morgan Griffith
2110 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Email Morgan Griffith

North Carolina’s 5th District

The Honorable Virginia Fox
2462 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Email Virginia Fox

Vice President JD Vance

The White House, Office of the Vice President
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Email Vice President JD Vance