ARC has provided special funds for the Region's poorest counties since 1983. Currently 81 counties qualify for distressed county status on the basis of low per capita income and high rates of poverty and unemployment.

In the past, the distressed county program focused mainly on providing badly needed public facilities, especially systems to furnish clean drinking water and sanitary waste disposal, and human resource projects such as literacy training. Under pre-1983 guidelines, most of these counties were too poor to qualify for federal aid for these facilities.

In October 2000, the Commission approved the creation of a new enhanced program for distressed counties. The program has two parts: a capacity-building effort and a telecommunications and information technology initiative.

Distressed Counties in Fiscal Year 2009

• List of Distressed Counties, FY 2009
• Map of Distressed Counties, FY 2009

Distressed Counties in Fiscal Year 2008

• List of Distressed Counties, FY 2008
• Map of Distressed Counties, FY 2008

Distressed Counties in Fiscal Year 2007

• List of Distressed Counties, FY 2007
• Map of Distressed Counties, FY 2007

Distressed Counties in Fiscal Year 2006

• List of Distressed Counties, FY 2006
• Map of Distressed Counties, FY 2006
• Report on County Economic Status Designations in the Appalachian Region, FY 2006

Distressed Counties in Fiscal Year 2005

• List of Distressed Counties, FY 2005
• Map of Distressed Counties, FY 2005
• Report on County Economic Status Designations in the Appalachian Region, FY 2005

Distressed Counties in Fiscal Year 2004

• List of Distressed Counties, FY 2004
• Map of Distressed Counties, FY 2004
• County Economic Status Designations in the Appalachian Region, FY 2004