Appalachian State Research, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Projects (23.011)
Program
23.011 Appalachian State Research, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Projects
Federal Agency
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
Authorization
Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, Section 302, Public Law 89-4, as amended; 40 App. U.S.C. 302; Appalachian Regional Development Reform Act of 1998, Public Law 105-393.
Program Number
23.011
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To expand the knowledge of the region to the fullest extent possible by means of State-sponsored research (including investigations, studies, technical assistance and demonstration projects) in order to assist the Commission in accomplishing the objectives of the Act, and implementation of the ARC strategic plan.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To research or demonstrate the feasibility of plans and programs for concerted economic and social development. Priority will be given to technical assistance related to job creation projects. States can carry out investigations, research, studies, evaluations, and assessments of needs, potentials, or attainments of the people of the region, technical assistance, training programs, demonstrations and the construction of necessary facilities incident to such activities. All developments resulting from such research, and demonstration projects must be made freely available to the general public. Existing research by other agencies is to be utilized as much as possible. State research projects are also subject to the uses and use restrictions described under the Appalachian Regional Development program (23.001).
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Appalachian States, alone or in combination with other Appalachian States, local public bodies and State instrumentalities.
Beneficiary Eligibility
States and local public bodies.
Credentials/Documentation
Projects must conform to the Appalachian State Development Plan and implementing Strategy Statement and Investment Program which is submitted annually. Commission regulations require that the Appalachian State Development Plan and Strategy Statement and Investment Program must be approved and submitted annually by the Governors before December 15. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The State Alternate's Office is the coordinator for the Appalachian investments. Preapplication conferences with the Appalachian Local Development District Director or the State Alternate's Office can determine within a few weeks if the project can be related to the State Appalachian Development Plan. The District Director or State Alternate's Office will provide guidance on specific problems and technical assistance in the preparation of applications. The standard application forms as furnished by ARC and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
A State or local agency, willing to assume contractual and implementation responsibility for a research and demonstration project, submits an application for consideration through the Appalachian State Alternate's office. Applications must be submitted and approved by the State member of the Appalachian Regional Commission. All proposed projects must relate to the needs identified in the State Appalachian Plan and Strategy Statement and Investment Program (due prior to December 15). This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedure
Upon determination that the State approved project is eligible within a Commission approved Appalachian State Development Plan and Strategy Statement, the Federal Co-chairman determines that the project satisfies all Federal requirements.
Deadlines
None, except those imposed by each State and the general requirement of the Commission; that is, proposed projects shall be included in each of the State's approved project funding program which is submitted annually before December 15.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Yes, processed in the same manner as the original application.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Generally, Federal assistance will not exceed 50 percent for research and planning projects. Projects located in Commission-designated distressed counties may be funded at up to 80 percent of project costs. Projects located in Commission- designated competitive counties may only be funded at 30 percent of project costs and projects are generally not funded in Commission- designated attainment counties.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Usually 12 months. Assistance is provided as required.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
A member of the Commission staff is designated as project coordinator to maintain liaison with the contractor, and monitor and evaluate progress and performance under the contract.
Audits
As required by the Commission, in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, Public Law 104-156. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt form Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
As required by the terms of the contract.
Program Accomplishments
The fiscal year 2001 program included continued support for the Appalachian scholar program and implementation of the ARC strategic plan and Government Performance and Results Act. Started or completed studies included: factors associated with the changing status of distressed counties; an evaluation of ARC's public works and infrastructure projects; foundation funding in Appalachia in the 1990s; intermodal transportation plans, systems, and activities in Appalachia; an analysis of the economic base of distressed and near- distressed counties; labor force participation and underemployment rates in Appalachia; current and future impacts of the regional coal industry; an assessment of economic development opportunities arising from the completion of the ADHS corridors; and a program evaluation of ARC's education projects.
Financial Information
Account Identification
46-0200-0-1-452.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 01 $900,000; FY 02 est $840,000; and FY 03 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$10,000 to $200,000; $112,500.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
"The Appalachian Regional Commission Code" (limited distribution); "Appalachian Regional Commission Project Guidelines" (limited distribution); "Appalachia" a journal devoted to the special problems of regional development (no charge); Research Program Prospectus (limited distribution) Annual Reports. "Section 302 (a) (2) State Research and Demonstration Programs, Formal Application Procedures" (limited distribution).
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Inquiries and proposals for projects should be submitted first to the Appalachian State office designated by the Governor. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog). Other inquiries may be addressed to: Executive Director, Appalachian Regional Commission, 1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20235. Telephone: (202) 884- 7700. Use the same number for FTS.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
See USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
See APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS.
