[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H529-H533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        APPALACHIAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2002

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the Senate bill (S. 1206) to reauthorize the Appalachian Regional 
Development Act of 1965, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                S. 1206

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Appalachian Regional 
     Development Act Amendments of 2002''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

       (a) This Act.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to reauthorize the Appalachian Regional Development Act 
     of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.); and
       (2) to ensure that the people and businesses of the 
     Appalachian region have the knowledge, skills, and access to 
     telecommunication and technology services necessary to 
     compete in the knowledge-based economy of the United States.
       (b) Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.--Section 
     2 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (40 
     U.S.C. App.) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by inserting after the third 
     sentence the following: ``Consistent with the goal described 
     in the preceding sentence, the Appalachian region should be 
     able to take advantage of eco-industrial development, which 
     promotes both employment and economic growth and the 
     preservation of natural resources.''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting ``, including 
     eco-industrial development technologies'' before the 
     semicolon.

     SEC. 3. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION.

       Section 102(a) of the Appalachian Regional Development Act 
     of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, and support,'' after 
     ``formation of'';
       (2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (3) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) encourage the use of eco-industrial development 
     technologies and approaches; and
       ``(10) seek to coordinate the economic development 
     activities of, and the use of economic development resources 
     by, Federal agencies in the region.''.

     SEC. 4. INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL ON APPALACHIA.

       Section 104 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 
     1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The President'' and inserting ``(a) In 
     General.--The President''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Interagency Coordinating Council on Appalachia.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     President shall establish an interagency council to be known 
     as the `Interagency Coordinating Council on Appalachia'.
       ``(2) Membership.--The Council shall be composed of--
       ``(A) the Federal Cochairman, who shall serve as 
     Chairperson of the Council; and
       ``(B) representatives of Federal agencies that carry out 
     economic development programs in the region.''.

     SEC. 5. TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE.

       Title II of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 
     1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by inserting after section 
     202 the following:

     ``SEC. 203. TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) In General.--The Commission may provide technical 
     assistance, make grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise 
     provide funds to persons or entities in the region for 
     projects--
       ``(1) to increase affordable access to advanced 
     telecommunications, entrepreneurship, and management 
     technologies or applications in the region;
       ``(2) to provide education and training in the use of 
     telecommunications and technology;
       ``(3) to develop programs to increase the readiness of 
     industry groups and businesses in the region to engage in 
     electronic commerce; or

[[Page H530]]

       ``(4) to support entrepreneurial opportunities for 
     businesses in the information technology sector.
       ``(b) Source of Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--Assistance under this section may be 
     provided--
       ``(A) exclusively from amounts made available to carry out 
     this section; or
       ``(B) from amounts made available to carry out this section 
     in combination with amounts made available under any other 
     Federal program or from any other source.
       ``(2) Federal share requirements specified in other laws.--
     Notwithstanding any provision of law limiting the Federal 
     share under any other Federal program, amounts made available 
     to carry out this section may be used to increase that 
     Federal share, as the Commission determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(c) Cost Sharing for Grants.--Not more than 50 percent 
     (or 80 percent in the case of a project to be carried out in 
     a county for which a distressed county designation is in 
     effect under section 226) of the costs of any activity 
     eligible for a grant under this section may be provided from 
     funds appropriated to carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 6. ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE.

       Title II of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 
     1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by inserting after section 
     203 (as added by section 5) the following:

     ``SEC. 204. ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Definition of Business Incubator Service.--In this 
     section, the term `business incubator service' means a 
     professional or technical service necessary for the 
     initiation and initial sustainment of the operations of a 
     newly established business, including a service such as--
       ``(1) a legal service, including aid in preparing a 
     corporate charter, partnership agreement, or basic contract;
       ``(2) a service in support of the protection of 
     intellectual property through a patent, a trademark, or any 
     other means;
       ``(3) a service in support of the acquisition and use of 
     advanced technology, including the use of Internet services 
     and Web-based services; and
       ``(4) consultation on strategic planning, marketing, or 
     advertising.
       ``(b) Projects To Be Assisted.--The Commission may provide 
     technical assistance, make grants, enter into contracts, or 
     otherwise provide funds to persons or entities in the region 
     for projects--
       ``(1) to support the advancement of, and provide, 
     entrepreneurial training and education for youths, students, 
     and businesspersons;
       ``(2) to improve access to debt and equity capital by such 
     means as facilitating the establishment of development 
     venture capital funds;
       ``(3) to aid communities in identifying, developing, and 
     implementing development strategies for various sectors of 
     the economy; and
       ``(4)(A) to develop a working network of business 
     incubators; and
       ``(B) to support entities that provide business incubator 
     services.
       ``(c) Source of Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--Assistance under this section may be 
     provided--
       ``(A) exclusively from amounts made available to carry out 
     this section; or
       ``(B) from amounts made available to carry out this section 
     in combination with amounts made available under any other 
     Federal program or from any other source.
       ``(2) Federal share requirements specified in other laws.--
     Notwithstanding any provision of law limiting the Federal 
     share under any other Federal program, amounts made available 
     to carry out this section may be used to increase that 
     Federal share, as the Commission determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(d) Cost Sharing for Grants.--Not more than 50 percent 
     (or 80 percent in the case of a project to be carried out in 
     a county for which a distressed county designation is in 
     effect under section 226) of the costs of any activity 
     eligible for a grant under this section may be provided from 
     funds appropriated to carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 7. REGIONAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIPS.

       Title II of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 
     1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by inserting after section 
     204 (as added by section 6) the following:

     ``SEC. 205. REGIONAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIPS.

       ``(a) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the 
     term `eligible entity' means a consortium that--
       ``(1) is established to serve 1 or more industries in a 
     specified geographic area; and
       ``(2) consists of representatives of--
       ``(A) businesses (or a nonprofit organization that 
     represents businesses);
       ``(B) labor organizations;
       ``(C) State and local governments; or
       ``(D) educational institutions.
       ``(b) Projects To Be Assisted.--The Commission may provide 
     technical assistance, make grants, enter into contracts, or 
     otherwise provide funds to eligible entities in the region 
     for projects to improve the job skills of workers for a 
     specified industry, including projects for--
       ``(1) the assessment of training and job skill needs for 
     the industry;
       ``(2) the development of curricula and training methods, 
     including, in appropriate cases, electronic learning or 
     technology-based training;
       ``(3)(A) the identification of training providers; and
       ``(B) the development of partnerships between the industry 
     and educational institutions, including community colleges;
       ``(4) the development of apprenticeship programs;
       ``(5) the development of training programs for workers, 
     including dislocated workers; and
       ``(6) the development of training plans for businesses.
       ``(c) Administrative Costs.--An eligible entity may use not 
     more than 10 percent of the funds made available to the 
     eligible entity under subsection (b) to pay administrative 
     costs associated with the projects described in subsection 
     (b).
       ``(d) Source of Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--Assistance under this section may be 
     provided--
       ``(A) exclusively from amounts made available to carry out 
     this section; or
       ``(B) from amounts made available to carry out this section 
     in combination with amounts made available under any other 
     Federal program or from any other source.
       ``(2) Federal share requirements specified in other laws.--
     Notwithstanding any provision of law limiting the Federal 
     share under any other Federal program, amounts made available 
     to carry out this section may be used to increase that 
     Federal share, as the Commission determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(e) Cost Sharing for Grants.--Not more than 50 percent 
     (or 80 percent in the case of a project to be carried out in 
     a county for which a distressed county designation is in 
     effect under section 226) of the costs of any activity 
     eligible for a grant under this section may be provided from 
     funds appropriated to carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 8. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA.

       (a) Elimination of Growth Center Criteria.--Section 
     224(a)(1) of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 
     (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking ``in an area 
     determined by the State have a significant potential for 
     growth or''.
       (b) Assistance to Distressed Counties and Areas.--Section 
     224 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (40 
     U.S.C. App.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Assistance to Distressed Counties and Areas.--For 
     fiscal year 2003 and each fiscal year thereafter, not less 
     than 50 percent of the amount of grant expenditures approved 
     by the Commission shall support activities or projects that 
     benefit severely and persistently distressed counties and 
     areas.''.

     SEC. 9. GRANTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES OF LOCAL 
                   DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS.

       Section 302(a)(1)(A)(i) of the Appalachian Regional 
     Development Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by 
     inserting ``(or, at the discretion of the Commission, 75 
     percent of such expenses in the case of a local development 
     district that has a charter or authority that includes the 
     economic development of a county or part of a county for 
     which a distressed county designation is in effect under 
     section 226)'' after ``such expenses''.

     SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 401 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 
     1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--In addition to amounts authorized by 
     section 201 and other amounts made available for the 
     Appalachian development highway system program, there are 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Commission to carry out 
     this Act--
       ``(1) $88,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 
     2004;
       ``(2) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2005; and
       ``(3) $92,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
       ``(b) Telecommunications and Technology Initiative.--Of the 
     amounts made available under subsection (a), the following 
     amounts may be made available to carry out section 203:
       ``(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.
       ``(2) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
       ``(3) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 
     2006.
       ``(c) Availability.--Sums made available under subsection 
     (a) shall remain available until expended.''.

     SEC. 11. ADDITION OF COUNTIES TO APPALACHIAN REGION.

       Section 403 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 
     1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
       (1) in the third undesignated paragraph (relating to 
     Kentucky)--
       (A) by inserting ``Edmonson,'' after ``Cumberland,'';
       (B) by inserting ``Hart,'' after ``Harlan,''; and
       (C) by striking ``Montogomery,'' and inserting 
     ``Montgomery,''; and
       (2) in the fifth undesignated paragraph (relating to 
     Mississippi)--
       (A) by inserting ``Montgomery,'' after ``Monroe,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``Panola,'' after ``Oktibbeha,''.

     SEC. 12. TERMINATION.

       Section 405 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 
     1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking ``2001'' and 
     inserting ``2006''.

     SEC. 13. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Section 101(b) of the Appalachian Regional Development 
     Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended in the third sentence 
     by striking ``implementing investment program'' and inserting 
     ``strategy statement''.
       (b) Section 106(7) of the Appalachian Regional Development 
     Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C.

[[Page H531]]

     App.) is amended by striking ``expiring no later than 
     September 30, 2001''.
       (c) Sections 202, 214, and 302(a)(1)(C) of the Appalachian 
     Regional Development Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) are amended 
     by striking ``grant-in-aid programs'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``grant programs''.
       (d) Section 202(a) of the Appalachian Regional Development 
     Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended in the second 
     sentence by striking ``title VI of the Public Health Service 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 291-291o), the Mental Retardation Facilities 
     and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 
     (77 Stat. 282),'' and inserting ``title VI of the Public 
     Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 291 et seq.), the Developmental 
     Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 
     U.S.C. 15001 et seq.),''.
       (e) Section 207(a) of the Appalachian Regional Development 
     Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking ``section 
     221 of the National Housing Act, section 8 of the United 
     States Housing Act of 1937, section 515 of the Housing Act of 
     1949,'' and inserting ``section 221 of the National Housing 
     Act (12 U.S.C. 1715l), section 8 of the United States Housing 
     Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), section 515 of the Housing Act 
     of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1485),''.
       (f) Section 214 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act 
     of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``grant-in-aid'' 
     and inserting ``grant'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``grant-in-aid Act'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``Act'';
       (B) in the first sentence, by striking ``grant-in-aid 
     Acts'' and inserting ``Acts'';
       (C) by striking ``grant-in-aid program'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``grant program''; and
       (D) by striking the third sentence;
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Definition of Federal Grant Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `Federal grant 
     program' means any Federal grant program authorized by this 
     Act or any other Act that provides assistance for--
       ``(A) the acquisition or development of land;
       ``(B) the construction or equipment of facilities; or
       ``(C) any other community or economic development or 
     economic adjustment activity.
       ``(2) Inclusions.--In this section, the term `Federal grant 
     program' includes a Federal grant program such as a Federal 
     grant program authorized by--
       ``(A) the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1921 et seq.);
       ``(B) the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 
     U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.);
       ``(C) the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1001 et seq.);
       ``(D) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical 
     Education Act of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.);
       ``(E) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
     1251 et seq.);
       ``(F) title VI of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
     291 et seq.);
       ``(G) sections 201 and 209 of the Public Works and Economic 
     Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141, 3149);
       ``(H) title I of the Housing and Community Development Act 
     of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.); or
       ``(I) part IV of title III of the Communications Act of 
     1934 (47 U.S.C. 390 et seq.).
       ``(3) Exclusions.--In this section, the term `Federal grant 
     program' does not include--
       ``(A) the program for construction of the Appalachian 
     development highway system authorized by section 201;
       ``(B) any program relating to highway or road construction 
     authorized by title 23, United States Code; or
       ``(C) any other program under this Act or any other Act to 
     the extent that a form of financial assistance other than a 
     grant is authorized.''; and
       (4) by striking subsection (d).
       (g) Section 224(a)(2) of the Appalachian Regional 
     Development Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended by 
     striking ``relative per capita income'' and inserting ``per 
     capita market income''.
       (h) Section 225 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act 
     of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.)--
       (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``development 
     program'' and inserting ``development strategies''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``development 
     programs'' and inserting ``development strategies''.
       (i) Section 303 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act 
     of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``investment 
     programs'' and inserting ``strategy statements'';
       (2) in the first sentence, by striking ``implementing 
     investments programs'' and inserting ``strategy statements''; 
     and
       (3) by striking ``implementing investment program'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``strategy statement''.
       (j) Section 403 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act 
     of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.) is amended in the next-to-last 
     undesignated paragraph by striking ``Committee on Public 
     Works and Transportation'' and inserting ``Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, we are back here today to consider legislation that 
reauthorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission. On August 2 of last 
year, the House unanimously passed H.R. 2501, the Appalachian Regional 
Development Reauthorization Act of 2001. The legislation we are 
considering today, S. 1206, is very similar to the previously passed 
House bill with a few minor exceptions.
  Both the House and the Senate legislation recognize the diligent 
efforts of the Appalachian Regional Commission to implement reforms 
required by the 1998 reauthorization that authorized the commission for 
5 years.
  The Appalachian Regional Commission includes 406 counties in 13 
States; 117 of those counties are considered to be distressed under 
ARC's definition of economic conditions. This means the 117 counties 
have a 3-year unemployment rate of at least 150 percent of the national 
average, a per capita market income of no more than two-thirds the 
national average, and a poverty rate of at least 150 percent of the 
national rate.
  Historically, the Appalachian region has faced high levels of poverty 
and economic distress resulting from geographic isolation and 
inadequate infrastructure. Since 1965, through its unique Federal, 
State, local and private partnerships, the ARC has worked to improve 
economic and living conditions through area-development programs. ARC 
funds are directed to locally developed projects that address basic 
water and sewer infrastructure needs, business and entrepreneurial 
development, education and workforce training, and improved health.
  These programs provide technical assistance and capacity-building as 
well as improving telecommunications and information technology to 
foster sustainable economic development.
  ARC's assistance continues to be a crucial part of the region's 
economy and has enabled it to adjust to the elimination of major 
industries by identifying alternatives to provide jobs and attract 
outside investment.
  Like the previously passed House bill, S. 1206 assists ARC in 
completing its important mission by requiring 50 percent of ARC project 
funds go to distressed counties and areas by creating a council to 
coordinate Federal economic development assistance in the region by 
assisting affordable access to technology and telecommunications 
through a new program initiative and by lowering the administrative 
costs for local development districts that include a distressed county.
  The committee has worked very closely with the administration and the 
other body to produce a bipartisan and widely supported bill.
  On that note, Madam Speaker, I want to extend personal thanks to 
Senator Voinovich of Ohio and his staff in the other body for working 
with us as we attempted to resolve the differences between the House-
passed bill and the Senate bill that we are considering today.
  I am happy to say that the passage of S. 1206 today will clear the 
measure to be sent to the President for his signature. I support the 
bill. I do want to commend and thank the leadership of our full 
committee, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young); and the gentleman 
from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member; also the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Costello), who is not with us today but an 
outstanding ranking member of our subcommittee. We are honored to have 
our friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden) with us today.
  On the majority side, there are two Members who really contributed 
mightily to the effort as this bill moved through the House and now as 
we consider the Senate bill: first, a new member of our committee and 
our subcommittee, the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), who 
came to me very early in her term and early in this session of Congress 
and indicated that the reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional 
Commission was one of her top, if not her top, legislative priority in 
this Congress. She has

[[Page H532]]

been instrumental in making sure that this bill has gotten to where it 
is today. I want to publicly thank her.
  Also to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis), who had additional 
counties that he sought to have represented by ARC, and he was like the 
proverbial tick on a dog making sure that that language withstood the 
discussions between the House and the Senate, and today S. 1206 bears 
the fruit of the gentleman's endeavors, and we are appreciative of his 
work as well.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support of the legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would first like to commend my friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
LaTourette), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, 
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure for his diligence in moving this 
legislation through the House. I would also like to commend the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), the ranking Democrat on the 
subcommittee, who provided invaluable help and assistance in advancing 
the bill through the legislative process.
  Madam Speaker, S. 1206, the Appalachian Regional Development Act 
Amendments of 2002, authorizes appropriations for the Appalachian 
Regional Commission for 5 years.
  The commission works to ensure the people and businesses of the 
Appalachian region have the knowledge, skills, and access to 
telecommunications and technology services necessary to compete in the 
knowledge-based economy of the United States.
  The bill authorizes the President to establish an interagency 
coordinating council on Appalachia. Further, it establishes a 
telecommunications and technology initiative and an entrepreneurship 
initiative. These two initiatives are geared toward increasing access 
to not only telecommunications and technology, but also to providing 
access to business incubator services and to initiate sustainable 
businesses.

                              {time}  1430

  The bill also promotes regional skills partnerships.
  In June, 2000, the Appalachian Regional Commission issued a report 
that documented the return the American taxpayer gets for its 
investment in the Appalachian region. $32.4 million in ARC funding for 
infrastructure produced 23,777 direct jobs and an estimated 20,954 
indirect jobs. This same investment produced $576.9 million in wages 
and $14.3 million in State income taxes.
  In my congressional district, the ARC approved a grant totaling 
$350,000 to the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation for 
improvements to the Schuylkill Highbridge Business Park that is 
expected to result in the creating of 600 new jobs and the generation 
of over $40 million in private sector investment.
  Just as it has done since its inception, the ARC has proven it 
provides a fair return, both socially and economically, for the Federal 
Government's investment.
  Madam Speaker, the Appalachian Regional Commission works. It has 
built a successful business strategy on a regional approach and serves 
as a model for other Federal, State and regional development 
partnerships.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support this bill and urge my 
colleagues to join me in passing S. 1206.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield as much 
time as she might consume to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. 
Capito), who was instrumental in crafting this legislation.
  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1206, and I 
would like to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
LaTourette) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden), for their 
whole-hearted support not only of my efforts in seeing this come to the 
floor today but in bringing it to the floor.
  As a native of West Virginia, the only State that falls entirely 
within the bounds of the Appalachian Regional Commission's borders, I 
stand here today to recognize and applaud the tremendous work this 
economic development body performs to enhance Appalachia's economic 
landscape and to foster job growth.
  America's investment in the ARC has accomplished great things in my 
home State of West Virginia to improve infrastructure and diversify 
local economies. These efforts will continue to foster better health 
care, workforce training, telecommunications and job creation.
  Additionally, it has been shown that completed ARC projects generate 
higher than expected tax revenues for local and State economies. And 
with ARC reauthorization, these programs will have the added stability 
and long-term financial security that will bring about expanded 
economic development for our future.
  Recent reports have indicated that every dollar of Federal funding 
for ARC leverages about $58 more in private investment and traditional 
financing through local, State and Federal partnerships. But my support 
for the ARC is not only based on documented statistics. It is also 
based on my own personal experience working with the various regional 
development groups.
  Just last year, the town of Wardensville, West Virginia, contacted me 
regarding the need for immediate assistance with the damaged sewer 
system. I contacted the ARC and was able to secure the necessary 
emergency funding which allowed the town to repair the damage almost 
immediately. This is merely one example that typifies the numerous and 
diverse ways in which the ARC assists local communities.
  As a side note, I would like to say 11 of the 20 counties that I 
represent in West Virginia are considered distressed economies in ARC's 
terminologies.
  Whether it is building new roads, providing employee training or 
assisting local communities with flood damage, the ARC has proven 
itself to be a tremendous asset for West Virginia and the rest of the 
region.
  I am especially grateful to the ARC for its commitment to improving 
the lives of my fellow West Virginians. As Congress seeks ways to 
enhance the livelihoods of not only West Virginians but also of all 
people of Appalachia, we must recognize the contributions of the ARC 
and immediately reauthorize it.
  Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1206, the measure 
that we are considering at present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Madam Speaker, this is a good piece of legislation.
  I know that the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis) wanted to be here 
to speak on this bill. I again, for the purposes of the Record, one of 
the county's names that escapes me, but I know that every time I saw 
the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis) he wanted Edmondson County, 
Edmondson County, Edmondson County included in this piece of 
legislation. It is included in this legislation thanks to his efforts, 
and the folks in Edmondson County should be thankful for his endeavors.
  With that, I urge passage of the bill.
  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased that the House will pass 
S. 1206, the ``Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 
2002'' today. This bill is nearly identical to HR 2501, a bill to 
reauthorize the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) that we passed in 
the House on August 2, 2001. The ARC gives grants to build highways, 
water and sewer systems, industrial parks and to develop health care 
programs and educational workforce training in distressed areas.
  I am pleased that HR 2501 originated in the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, of which I am a Member. I am also 
pleased that my constituent, Mike Whitt, the Executive Director of the 
Mingo County, West Virginia, Redevelopment Authority, testified on June 
20, 2001, before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public 
Buildings and Emergency Management.
  Mr. Whitt gave case studies of how ARC programs make a positive 
difference in the

[[Page H533]]

lives of the people of West Virginia When Mike Whitt testified, he told 
of how the ARC gave financial help to create the James H. Buck Harless 
Wood Products Industrial Park that was developed on a reclaimed strip 
mine site. This created 90 new jobs for my constituents to manufacture 
value added wood products.
  In addition, the ARC gave Mingo County a big boost by helping its 
people get in to the acquaculture industry.
  In the mid-90s, ARC funded a study conducted by the Freshwater 
Institute of abandoned mine waters in West Virginia. Mingo County and 
neighboring Logan County were identified as having water with enough 
volume and quality to generate 25-30 million pounds of arctic char--a 
fish belonging to the salmon family.
  Mingo County has begun hatching fish in these mine waters. Then they 
ship the minnows to a grow-out farm in Logan County. This project has 
created nine new jobs so far for local residents, and Mr. Whitt 
projects about 40 additional new jobs will be created in the 
acquaculture industry for local residents.
  Best of all, Mingo and Logan Counties are the only counties in West 
Virginia that will ship fresh arctic char to Boston's seafood market--
and the ARC study of abandoned mine waters gave them their start.
  Finally, regarding tourism, Mike Whitt was able to help to develop 
the Hatfield-McCoy Trails Recreation Project with the help of a 
$100,000 grant from the ARC.
  The Hatfield-McCoy Trail has become really popular with hikers. It 
has boosted travel and tourism in Mingo County. Motels that never had 
guests over the weekend are now filling up on weekends. Again, the ARC 
seed money for the project gave the Hatfield-McCoy Trail help with its 
development.
  So we have an industrial park, acquaculture and tourism coming to 
Mingo County, thanks to ARC's helping hand, when previously Mingo 
County's residents relied almost solely on the coal mines for a job.
  Mingo County is still on the ARC's list of distressed counties. The 
ARC is helping Mingo County to diversify, with funds to back up 
projects, and working hand-in-hand with good people like Mike Whitt, 
whose goal is to take Mingo County off the ARC distressed counties 
list.
  The entire state of West Virginia is included in the ARC 
jurisdiction, along with parts of 12 other states ranging from the far 
North of the Deep South: New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, 
Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, 
Alabama and Mississippi.
  Today's bill will authorize $446 million for ARC programs from fiscal 
years 2002-2006. Because two of my goals in Congress are to bridge the 
digital divide and to crate jobs, I am pleased that the bill includes a 
Telecommunications and Information Technology Initiative and an 
emphasis on boosting job skills.
  First of all, the Telecommunications and Information Technology 
initiative is authorized for $33 million from fiscal years 2002-2006 in 
order to develop the telecommunications infrastructure in Appalachia, 
so that rural and small towns will not be left behind in the 
Information Age.
  This means that students in West Virginia, and all of Appalachia, 
will have remote access to course materials that previously were only 
available in more affluent, urban areas.
  For job creation, S. 1206 provides that the ARC can enter into 
partnerships with educational institutions, nor-for-profit 
organizations, state and local governments and unions to provide job 
training to boost the local economy in West Virginia and throughout 
Appalachia.
  Finally, S. 1206 contains an ``Entrepreneurship Regional Initiative'' 
to help local entrepreneurs throughout Appalachia to start and expand 
local businesses. This will be done by providing local business persons 
with more capital and education and training.
  Madam Speaker, the ARC is a true example of results and has been a 
model for developing other organizations to help citizens like the 
Delta Regional Authority which serves 236 counties in federal-state 
partnerships in eight states: Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Tennessee.
  The reason the ARC has been used as a model is because, through its 
programs, the ARC has helped people to help themselves by giving them a 
start in health care, education, business development, and in building 
highways and water and sewer infrastructures, along with bridging the 
digital divide, which is so vital in today's world.
  I could not be more pleased that the House will pass this bill today, 
and I look forward to the seeing the president sign the bill 
expeditiously.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the Senate bill, S. 1206.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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