(WENY) - Counties in the Southern Tier will have access to $65 million in grants that have been specifically earmarked for coal impacted communities.

Locally, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, and Tioga counties are all on the list.

The funding was made available through the Appalachian Region Commission for communities designated as Appalachian communities that have experienced job losses related to the coal industry.

The funding is designed to help communities adapt to post coal realities and diversify local job markets.

Individual grants will be up to $1.5 million and applications must be submitted by March 8th.

Additional information regarding the application process is available at www.arc.gov/power.