[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 34 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THOMAS M. HUNTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2014

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of Appalachia's most dedicated allies, Thomas M. Hunter. Tom will 
retire after 20 years of esteemed service as Executive Director of the 
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
   Over the years, Tom has made a tremendous impact on eastern 
Kentucky's communities and local economies. The ARC has consistently 
worked to leverage their funding in order to spur private-sector 
investment in commercial and industrial development, as well as provide 
for improved water, sewer, gas, fiber, and road infrastructure projects 
where they had previously been sorely needed. Many of these investments 
have occurred in my District, where all 28 of the counties I represent 
are recognized as a part of the ARC. Specifically, Tom has had 
oversight of the 3,080-mile Appalachian Development Highway System; 
noted to be the cornerstone of the ARC's transportation efforts. The 
ADHS is a system of modern highways that connect with the interstate 
highway system. The ADHS recently achieved 85 percent completion, and 
has already proved to be a formidable economic stimulator for a region 
where roadways have traditionally been difficult to construct and often 
fall into disrepair. In my district, these vital corridors allow 
Kentuckians from even the most remote areas a chance to reach 
interstates with ease; thus opening up entire communities to travel and 
trade in a way that would have been impossible just a few decades ago.
   All told, Tom Hunter has his fingerprints on hundreds of improvement 
projects in eastern Kentucky alone. Over the last 20 years, he has 
affected the lives of countless Kentuckians by overseeing the 
installation and repair of water lines, investments in small regional 
businesses via grant initiatives, and educational programs such as the 
Appalachian Higher Education Network--a group developed to work with 
high schools to increase the number of college-ready students in 
Appalachia. Tom has aided in tourism development with projects such as 
the Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails, and actively demonstrated his 
interest in improving the health of Appalachians with the creation of 
the Appalachian Health Policy Advisory Council. Tom has done so much 
for my district, and for Kentucky, that it becomes difficult to fathom 
how he has likely been an equally significant champion for the other 12 
states included in the Appalachian Regional Commission's territory. The 
ARC has been an extraordinary federal agency due to the constant 
commitment they have shown in responding to the needs of people 
throughout Appalachia. There is no doubt that Tom's strategic 
leadership was a fundamental driver behind the ARC's steady success.
   As he moves into retirement, Tom leaves behind a legacy of 
forthright demeanor, an attentive ear, and humility in service. His 
wisdom, care and passion for the region will be sorely missed.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a true hero 
of the Appalachian region, Thomas M. Hunter. I wish him all the best in 
the years to come.

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