The Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission offers investment and grant assistance services to the Southern Alleghenies Region.

Specific planning and technical assistance is available for preparing grant applications to the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and other state and federal grant programs.

These programs are intended to promote economic growth by developing the infrastructure for job creation.  The Commission staff’s expertise is available to local economic developers, planners, municipal officials, and non-profit organizations seeking financial assistance for project development.  Help is available for planning, project development and proposal packaging.

SAP&DC can provide information on federal and state programs and offer the technical assistance needed to make a proposed project a reality.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) focuses on generating new jobs, retaining existing jobs and stimulating industrial and commercial growth in economically-distressed areas of the United States, based on recognized regional priorities.  Project funding includes: water and sewer facilities serving industry and commerce; access roads to industrial parks or sites; port improvements; business incubator facilities, and feasibility/needs assessments.

EDA projects must comply with an approved Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).  Application is open to states, political subdivisions of a state, Indian tribes, special-purpose units of state or local governments, or public or private nonprofit organizations.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) supports economic and social development in the Appalachian Region.  Participation is provided through Local Development Districts (LDDs), multi-county organizations governed by boards of elected officials, business people, and other local leaders.  ARC projects include education and workforce training programs, access road and highway construction, water and sewer system construction, leadership development, business incubator facilities and feasibility/needs assessments.

SAP&DC staff provides assistance in obtaining agency funding to organizations sponsoring a project.  SAP&DC will help the organization complete a project profile and prepare an assessment of the project.  The Commission prioritizes projects for the funding sources, prepares and submits preliminary applications and final applications, and guides the applicant through the funding process.

The annual funding cycle starts in March.  Applicants are invited to contact the Commission for a project consultation.