The Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) has been awarded funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development Program to support the Bedford County Housing Initiative – Reducing Barriers to Workforce Development Project.
This forward-looking initiative will fund preliminary engineering and design work needed to prepare Development Area 1 of Bedford County Business Park III for future workforce housing. The 18-acre site, located within the I-99 Innovation Corridor, currently lacks utility infrastructure and site preparation. With ARC support, BCDA is positioning to transform the parcel from concept to shovel-ready status, reducing barriers for private-sector investment in much-needed workforce housing.
The project addresses one of Bedford County’s most pressing challenges: limited housing availability. Employers consistently report that the lack of housing is a top obstacle for recruitment and retention. By preparing a parcel of Business Park III for residential development, BCDA is taking a critical step toward creating housing opportunities that align with the county’s growing employment base.
“Workforce housing is vital to ensuring that the local economy in Bedford County will continue to grow and retain a strong employment base,” said Rep. John Joyce, M.D. “This is a long-term commitment to the continued growth of Bedford County, and I was proud to join local and state leaders in support of such a critical grant.”
The initiative builds on the momentum of the 2024 Bedford County Site Feasibility Study and complements regional strategies, including the Alleghenies Ahead Housing Plan and the Southern Alleghenies Recovery & Resilience Plan. Both call for stronger housing infrastructure to stem out-migration and strengthen the workforce pipeline.
“This grant is an essential investment in the future of Bedford County,” said Jeff Crist, BCDA Board Chair. “Employers across the region continue to cite housing availability as a barrier to workforce growth. By preparing this site for workforce housing, we are not only reducing development risks for private investors but also making a long-term commitment to building a community where families and skilled professionals choose to live and work.”
BCDA is collaborating with federal, state, and local partners including the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission, the Bedford County Board of Commissioners, and Bedford Township to deliver this project. With over 30 years of experience in business park development and infrastructure planning, BCDA has the capacity and expertise to oversee the work. Following design completion, BCDA will pursue construction funding and engage private partners to move the site toward housing development.