Federal Initiative Encourages Developing a Competitive Workforce $55 Million Available in Federal Grants for Eligible Projects Within 14 New York State Counties RFP is ; LOIs Due March 5, 2021; Final Applications Due April 16, 2021 by 5 pm The New York Department of State today announced the availability of $55 million in federal grants through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to diversify economies in communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations and coal-related supply chain industries. The funds will be made available through the ARC’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative program, providing implementation grants up to $1.5 million and planning grants up to $50,000 for projects within the 14 counties within New York’s federally-designated Appalachian Region.