Local Access Road Projects

About this funding opportunity

Local Access Road Projects

ARC’s Local Access Road projects link communities, businesses and residents to the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) and other key parts of the region’s transportation network. They offer a flexible approach to meet local needs and provide a financing mechanism to support a variety of economic development opportunities.

Funded through our Area Development program, the ADHS and the Federal Highway Administration, Local Access Road projects serve industrial and commercial areas, residential developments, recreational areas and educational areas. Local access road funds may also be used for preliminary engineering, right-of-way and/or construction. As of 2025, ARC approved over 1,058 miles of local access roads.

Evaluation Trends and Impacts of Local Access Roads

This report evaluates trends and impacts of ARC’s Local Access Road investments using available project data and conducted surveys covering 135 projects completed from 2001 through 2020. Those projects supported the creation of 17,189 jobs and leveraged $862 million of private investments through the facilities and economic development centers accessed by users of the newly constructed or improved local access roads.

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Resource Project Guidelines

These guidelines provide Local Access Road applicants with specific guidance about project guidelines, eligibility, approval processes and submission requirements.

Learn More Additional Resources

Local Access Road Miles Approved\\ \\ \\ As of 2025, ARC invested in over 1,050 miles of local access roads. Learn more about the approved miles in each Appalachian state.

Applicant Resources\\ \\ \\ If you’re interested in applying for Local Access Road funding, check out these resources.

Grantee Resources\\ \\ \\ If you’ve already received Local Access Road funding, use these resources to manage your grant. Related Content

Page\\ \\ \\ About ARC Grants\\ \\ Investment Priority\\ \\ \\ Building Appalachia’s Infrastructure\\ \\ Page\\ \\ \\ Transportation in Appalachia\\ \\

Topic areas: Transportation and Mobility, Public Policy and Governance, Smart Cities, Housing and Community Development, Advanced Manufacturing and Industry.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

Local Access Road Projects is administered by Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), listed via Appalachian Regional Commission.