The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has taken a significant step in bolstering the economic prospects of Southern Appalachia by awarding a substantial $10 million grant to The Industrial Commons (TIC) for their groundbreaking Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE). This grant will enable the construction of a cutting-edge 40,000 square-foot textile upcycling manufacturing hub in Morganton, North Carolina.
Revitalizing Appalachia with Innovation
TIC, headquartered in Morganton, has a grand vision for this new venture. The initiative aims to accomplish a multifaceted mission: create more than 80 new jobs, retain an additional 530, train numerous students and workers in advanced manufacturing techniques, establish a robust textile supply chain, and connect entrepreneurs across Appalachian regions in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
One of the project’s most remarkable facets is its dedication to workforce and education training. The goal is to prepare the next generation of workers to drive the textile upcycling industry in Southern Appalachia, infusing innovation and sustainable practices into the region’s economic fabric.
A Web of Financial Support
TIC has set a fundraising goal of $45.6 million to realize this ambitious project. Alongside the ARC’s generous contribution, the endeavor has garnered support from multiple quarters. Notably, The Kendeda Fund, the North Carolina General Assembly, the Environmental Protection Agency, The Cannon Foundation, the J.M. Kaplan Fund, and an anonymous regional donor who facilitated the acquisition of the land in 2021 have all thrown their weight behind this initiative.
A Testament to the “Investing in America” Agenda
Mitch Landrieu, senior advisor to President Biden and White House infrastructure coordinator, underlined the significance of this initiative in the context of the President’s “Investing in America” agenda. He stated, “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out, bringing good-paying jobs to communities that have too long been overlooked. New ARISE awards will expand opportunity, boost domestic manufacturing, and bring the benefits of a clean energy economy to communities in Southern Appalachia.”
With this substantial grant and a collective commitment to transformative economic development, Southern Appalachia stands poised for a bright and sustainable future. The construction of the textile upcycling manufacturing hub is not merely a building; it’s a testament to the power of regional cooperation and innovation in creating a better tomorrow.