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Featured Reports
Appalachian Development Highway System Economic Analysis Study: Synthesis of Findings to Date
May 2016
Economic Development Research Group, Inc.
This report reviews and summarizes the findings of previously published studies on the impacts of the Appalachian Development Highway System on economic growth and transportation connectivity in Appalachia.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF: 1.3 MB
May 2016
Economic Development Research Group, Inc.
This report reviews and summarizes the findings of previously published studies on the impacts of the Appalachian Development Highway System on economic growth and transportation connectivity in Appalachia.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF: 1.3 MB
The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2010-2014 American Community Survey
April 2016
Kelvin Pollard and Linda A. Jacobsen
Population Reference Bureau
This study examines state- and county-level data on population, age, race and ethnicity, housing, education, labor force, employment, income and poverty, health insurance, disability status, migration, and veteran status for the 13 Appalachian states.
Abstract & Report Contents
April 2016
Kelvin Pollard and Linda A. Jacobsen
Population Reference Bureau
This study examines state- and county-level data on population, age, race and ethnicity, housing, education, labor force, employment, income and poverty, health insurance, disability status, migration, and veteran status for the 13 Appalachian states.
Abstract & Report Contents
Appalachian Coal Industry, Power Generation, and Supply Chain
March 2016
Dan Hodge
Hodge Economic Consulting
This study, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, provides an overview of the coal industry ecosystem including production, power generation, and supply chain linkages, and presents the most current data and trends on coal-related industrie
Abstract & Report Contents
March 2016
Dan Hodge
Hodge Economic Consulting
This study, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, provides an overview of the coal industry ecosystem including production, power generation, and supply chain linkages, and presents the most current data and trends on coal-related industrie
Abstract & Report Contents
Program Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Telecommunications and Technology Projects: FY 2004–FY 2010
November 2015
Sara Lawrence, Zachary Oliver, Michael Hogan, Sara VanLear, Jim Baller, John Horrigan, Mark Johnson, Jane Smith Patterson, Ashley Stelfox, and Deborah Watts
RTI International
This report presents an evaluation of 322 telecommunications and technology projects funded by ARC between fiscal years 2004 and 2010.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (4.5 MB)
November 2015
Sara Lawrence, Zachary Oliver, Michael Hogan, Sara VanLear, Jim Baller, John Horrigan, Mark Johnson, Jane Smith Patterson, Ashley Stelfox, and Deborah Watts
RTI International
This report presents an evaluation of 322 telecommunications and technology projects funded by ARC between fiscal years 2004 and 2010.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (4.5 MB)
Agriculture and Food System Trends in the Appalachian Region: 2007-2012
July 2015
Charlie Jackson, Allison Perrett, and Katie Descieux
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)
This report examines trends in the 2007 and 2012 Censuses of Agriculture and related socioeconomic databases in order to assess, benchmark, and document food and farm activity and the local food economy in the Appalachian Region.
Abstract & Report Contents
July 2015
Charlie Jackson, Allison Perrett, and Katie Descieux
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)
This report examines trends in the 2007 and 2012 Censuses of Agriculture and related socioeconomic databases in order to assess, benchmark, and document food and farm activity and the local food economy in the Appalachian Region.
Abstract & Report Contents
Appalachia Then and Now: Examining Changes to the Appalachian Region since 1965
February 2015
Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness and West Virginia University
This study, commissioned by ARC, analyzes 50 years of socioeconomic trends in the Appalachian Region. The study comprises an executive summary, a technical report, and a summary of input from stakeholders
Abstract & Report Contents Appalachia Then and Now: Complete Study (PDF: 12 MB)
February 2015
Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness and West Virginia University
This study, commissioned by ARC, analyzes 50 years of socioeconomic trends in the Appalachian Region. The study comprises an executive summary, a technical report, and a summary of input from stakeholders
Abstract & Report Contents Appalachia Then and Now: Complete Study (PDF: 12 MB)
An Assessment of Natural Assets in the Appalachian Region: Water Resources
September 2014
Downstream Strategies, West Virginia University,and The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
This study attempts to understand water assets in the Appalachian Region in order to facilitate water management and planning strategies. It evaluates water quantity, water quality, and water value, using data and information collected for a variety of me
Abstract & Report Contents Full report in PDF (3.5 MB)
September 2014
Downstream Strategies, West Virginia University,and The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
This study attempts to understand water assets in the Appalachian Region in order to facilitate water management and planning strategies. It evaluates water quantity, water quality, and water value, using data and information collected for a variety of me
Abstract & Report Contents Full report in PDF (3.5 MB)
College Completion Rates and Remedial Education Outcomes for Institutions in Appalachian States
September 2014
John Armstrong and Katie Zaback
State Higher Education Executive Officers Association
This report analyzes college completion metrics for the Appalachian Region, compares outcomes of students attending campuses in the Region with those of students attending campuses outside the Region, and discusses stumbling blocks to college completion.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF
September 2014
John Armstrong and Katie Zaback
State Higher Education Executive Officers Association
This report analyzes college completion metrics for the Appalachian Region, compares outcomes of students attending campuses in the Region with those of students attending campuses outside the Region, and discusses stumbling blocks to college completion.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF
An Assessment of Natural Assets in the Appalachian Region: Forest Resources
September 2014
Downstream Strategies,West Virginia University,and the National Network of Forest Practitioners
This study describes forest assets in the Appalachian Region to facilitate forest management and planning strategies and to provide useful information and tools for decision-makers.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (6 MB)
September 2014
Downstream Strategies,West Virginia University,and the National Network of Forest Practitioners
This study describes forest assets in the Appalachian Region to facilitate forest management and planning strategies and to provide useful information and tools for decision-makers.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (6 MB)
Economic Diversity in Appalachia
March 2014
Edward Feser, Troy Mix, Mark White, Ken Poole, Deb Markley, and Erik Pages
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Regional Economics Applications Laboratory and the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, with assistance from the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and EntreWorks Consulting
This March 2014 report provides an analysis of economic diversity trends in the Appalachian Region.
Abstract & Report Contents Economic Diversity in Appalachia: Compilation of All Documents (PDF: 6 MB)
March 2014
Edward Feser, Troy Mix, Mark White, Ken Poole, Deb Markley, and Erik Pages
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Regional Economics Applications Laboratory and the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, with assistance from the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and EntreWorks Consulting
This March 2014 report provides an analysis of economic diversity trends in the Appalachian Region.
Abstract & Report Contents Economic Diversity in Appalachia: Compilation of All Documents (PDF: 6 MB)
Household Wealth and Financial Security in Appalachia
November 2013
Linda A. Jacobsen, Marlene Lee, and Kelvin Pollard
Population Reference Bureau
This report analyzes the effects of the recent recession on household wealth and economic well-being in Appalachia and assesses whether the Region has been disproportionately affected by the economic downturn.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (3 MB)
November 2013
Linda A. Jacobsen, Marlene Lee, and Kelvin Pollard
Population Reference Bureau
This report analyzes the effects of the recent recession on household wealth and economic well-being in Appalachia and assesses whether the Region has been disproportionately affected by the economic downturn.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (3 MB)
Access to Capital and Credit in Appalachia and the Impact of the Financial Crisis and Recession on Commercial Lending and Finance in the Region
July 2013
Josh Silver and Archana Pradhan, National Community Reinvestment Coalition; and Spencer M. Cowan, Woodstock Institute
This study examines recent trends in the availability of capital and credit for small businesses in the Appalachian Region, compares financial conditions in 2010 with those in 2007, and assesses the impact of strategies to address capital gaps.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (8.5 MB)
July 2013
Josh Silver and Archana Pradhan, National Community Reinvestment Coalition; and Spencer M. Cowan, Woodstock Institute
This study examines recent trends in the availability of capital and credit for small businesses in the Appalachian Region, compares financial conditions in 2010 with those in 2007, and assesses the impact of strategies to address capital gaps.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (8.5 MB)
Program Evaluation of ARC's Education and Workforce Development Projects: 2000-2008
December 2012
Gary Silverstein and Melissa Bryce, Westat; Diana Long, Rahall Transportation Institute; and Steve Landau, Economic Development Research Group
Prepared by Westat
This report presents findings from an evaluation of education and workforce development projects funded by ARC between fiscal years 2000 and 2008, and recommendations for enhancing performance measurement procedures.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (2.3 MB)
December 2012
Gary Silverstein and Melissa Bryce, Westat; Diana Long, Rahall Transportation Institute; and Steve Landau, Economic Development Research Group
Prepared by Westat
This report presents findings from an evaluation of education and workforce development projects funded by ARC between fiscal years 2000 and 2008, and recommendations for enhancing performance measurement procedures.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (2.3 MB)
Health Care Costs and Access Disparities in Appalachia
July 2012
PDA, Inc., and the Cecil B. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
This report describes the relative availability of health care resources, level of health insurance coverage and cost of providing health services in the Appalachian Region compared with the rest of the United States.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (6.9 MB)
July 2012
PDA, Inc., and the Cecil B. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
This report describes the relative availability of health care resources, level of health insurance coverage and cost of providing health services in the Appalachian Region compared with the rest of the United States.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (6.9 MB)
An Analysis of Oral Health Disparities and Access to Services in the Appalachian Region
July 2012
Denise D. Krause, Ph.D.; Warren L. May, Ph.D.; Nancy M. Lane, MA; Jeralynn S, Cossman, Ph.D.; Thomas R. Konrad, Ph.D.
This study analyzes disparities in oral health status and access to oral health care in the Appalachian Region, and examines relationships between oral health disparities and socioeconomic status indicators.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (6.8 MB)
July 2012
Denise D. Krause, Ph.D.; Warren L. May, Ph.D.; Nancy M. Lane, MA; Jeralynn S, Cossman, Ph.D.; Thomas R. Konrad, Ph.D.
This study analyzes disparities in oral health status and access to oral health care in the Appalachian Region, and examines relationships between oral health disparities and socioeconomic status indicators.
Abstract & Report Contents Full Report in PDF (6.8 MB)