Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission Secures Over $3.7 Million in ARC Funding to Drive Regional Economic Growth
Altoona, PA — The Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission (SAP&DC) is proud to announce the award of two major grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), totaling more than $3.7 million. These investments will bolster both industrial expansion in Huntingdon County and outdoor recreation development in Somerset County—advancing job creation, tourism, and long-term economic vitality throughout the Southern Alleghenies region.
Riverview Business Center Expansion Access Project – Huntingdon County
Total Investment: $3,006,209 | ARC Funding: $2,856,162
The ARC has approved $2.8 million in Local Access Road funds for the Riverview Business Center Expansion Access Project to the Huntingdon County Business and Industry, Inc. (HCBI). The funds will be used to make essential roadway and infrastructure improvements along Lenape Drive, including:
- Installation of a traffic signal
- Construction of two 250-foot turning lanes
These upgrades will enhance traffic safety, accommodate the expansion of businesses at the park, and support the creation of up to 250 new jobs.
“We are grateful to our partners, SAP&DC and the Huntingdon County Commissioners, for their support throughout the application process,” said Debra Clark, President of HCBI. “This project has been years in the making, and we deeply appreciate ARC for recognizing its impact. The improvements directly benefit current tenants and open the door for future development—HCBI is currently in talks with three business prospects, and we have four shovel-ready parcels and 45 additional acres available for growth.”
“This is great news for Huntingdon County. As business expands, the highway access improvements will support the safe and efficient flow of traffic to the business park, while also helping to reduce congestion along Route 522,” said Huntingdon County Commissioner Scott Walls. “It’s encouraging to see more businesses choosing to locate and grow here. We remain committed to finding new ways to make Huntingdon County an attractive place for economic development.”.
SAP&DC authored the successful grant proposal and helped coordinate key partnerships between HCBI, Huntingdon County, and local municipalities.
September 11 National Memorial Trail – Garrett Area Improvements Project – Somerset County
Total Investment: $1,860,638 | ARC Funding: $930,319
In Somerset County, ARC has awarded $930,319 for the development of 1,500 linear feet of new trail that will connect the 9/11 National Memorial Trail to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail in the Garrett area. This long-anticipated project will:
- Attract 2,100 additional visitors annually
- Support three new local businesses
- Expand Garrett’s role in the regional trail economy
SAP&DC facilitated the grant application and played a critical role in advancing this priority from concept to reality, as outlined in the 2024 Alleghenies Outdoors report and a recent DCNR-funded trail alignment study.
“The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is excited to work in collaboration with Somerset County to develop the 911 Trail,” said Jeffrey McCauley, President of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. “This ARC grant award is a great example of how the Alliance and the County can collaborate to achieve large goals.”.
“These two projects are significant,” said Lee Slusser, Director, Planning and Community Development Division. Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission. “A new signalized entrance will help Riverview Business Center businesses create up to 250 new jobs. Meanwhile, the 9/11 Trail project will draw new tourism spending across every community it touches. These awards were only possible thanks to the collaboration of County Commissioners, municipalities, applicants, and the SAP&DC staff. We can’t thank them enough.”
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Region Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation.
About Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC)
The Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission (SAP&DC) is a nonprofit regional economic and community development organization dedicated to fostering growth and improving the quality of life for residents across Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties. Through technical expertise, strategic partnerships and forward-thinking investment, SAP&DC helps build a resilient and thriving Southern Alleghenies region.
For more information, visit www.sapdc.org.
