Appalachia's Backroads receive ARC ARISE grant, funding their plans for expanding the adventure tourism pathway
Backroads of Appalachia Receives $7.4 Million Grant for Tourism and Economic Revitalization
In a significant move to boost the economy of rural Appalachia, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a grant of over $7.4 million to Backroads of Appalachia (BOA), a non-profit organization focused on sustainable tourism and motorsport development.
The funding will be used to spearhead multi-million dollar projects, including the development of a National Rally Training Center in Owsley County, Kentucky, and the promotion of Appalachia as a premier motorsports and outdoor recreation destination.
The National Rally Training Center, to be built on a 199-acre site near Daniel Boone National Forest, will feature a 60,000-square-foot building with shop bays, classrooms, and a 1.4-mile off-road course for rally car training, testing, and workforce development in motorsports. This facility is part of the broader Appalachian Overland Triangle initiative, a tri-state effort involving Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio to boost rural economies using Appalachian terrain for adventure tourism and motorsports.
BOA’s mission extends beyond motorsports. The organization aims to develop Appalachia’s backroads into engines for sustainable tourism, community reinvestment, and economic growth by leveraging the region's natural and cultural assets. In a short period, BOA has attracted over 100,000 visitors to the region, adding millions in economic impact.
The grant will also support the expansion of Backroads of Appalachia's adventure tourism corridor, which connects rural towns across Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The project will further develop this tourism corridor, providing support for RV parking and overnight stays.
In addition to the National Rally Training Center, the funding will be used to develop infrastructure, launch regional workforce training programs, and promote Appalachia as a premier motorsports and outdoor recreation destination. Over 2,000 square feet of renovated space will be used for training facilities and administrative uses, and the project will include water and wastewater infrastructure, along with 2,500 linear feet of access roads for emergency services.
Owsley County Judge Executive Zeke Little stated that the project is expected to bring more jobs, investment, and pride to the county. For more information, visit www.backroadsofappalachia.org.
Backroads of Appalachia has been instrumental in transforming former coal towns into destinations for riders, racers, and tourists. The organization continues to expand its impact through partnerships with local governments, small businesses, and workforce development agencies. A new Appalachian narrative rooted in beauty, grit, and gear has been created by BOA, positioning the organization to deepen its impact through the ARISE grant.
- The grant awarded to Backroads of Appalachia (BOA) by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is intended for both tourism and economic revitalization in rural Appalachia.
- The National Rally Training Center, a key project funded by the grant, will promote motorsports and outdoor recreation in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio.
- The development of Backroads of Appalachia's adventure tourism corridor will connect rural towns in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, boosting local economies through sustainable tourism.
- The grant will also support the development of infrastructure, training programs, and the promotion of Appalachia as a premier destination for businesses, travelers, and those interested in lifestyle and sports.
