[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION 50TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I wish to honor the 50th 
anniversary of the Appalachian Regional Commission, a vital partnership 
that has created abundant opportunities for families and communities in 
my State of West Virginia and across the Appalachian region for five 
decades. Since its establishment in 1965, the Appalachian Regional 
Commission, known as ARC, has spurred job creation, economic growth and 
infrastructure improvements, which have helped build a stronger 
Appalachia. I am proud of all that ARC has done to help improve the 
region, and I am committed to continue working with the agency to 
further enhance our communities.
  Over the past 50 years, the rural communities of Appalachia have 
faced unique challenges. After the American industrial revolution, 
which was driven largely by Appalachian coal and other regional 
resources, these communities experienced a rapid economic downturn. 
Since then, ARC has partnered with local and State leaders to make 
critical investments that have helped rebuild and revitalize the 
region.
  Located in the heart of Appalachia, which is home to more than 25 
million Americans, my home State of West Virginia has benefitted 
considerably from the contributions of ARC. Through its initiatives, 
ARC has played a critical role in helping lift West Virginians out of 
economic turmoil and homelessness. Prior to ARC's establishment, 34.6 
percent of West Virginians were living in poverty. Today, that number 
has been cut in half to 17.6 percent. This is telling of ARC's 
commitment to the strength of our citizens in rural and economically 
distressed areas.
  Also, by investing in our highways, railroads, bridges, as well as 
water and sewer systems, ARC funding in West Virginia has helped lay 
the foundation for economic growth in the region. Of West Virginia's 
409.6 total eligible miles, 360.4 are open to traffic thanks to help 
from ARC. Additionally, ARC has made 2,133 strategic nonhighway grants 
in West Virginia, totaling $387.6 million. These initiatives are vital 
to improving the quality of life for our residents and growing tourism 
and business in the State.
  The agency's investments have undoubtedly been a source of economic 
vitality and an engine for job growth. All of the Mountain State's 55 
counties added employment at a 4.2-percent faster pace and per capita 
income at a 5.5-percent faster pace than similar counties that did not 
receive ARC investments. Per capita income has increased from 71.6 
percent of the national average in 1969 to 79.4 percent today.
  Nonetheless, there is still work to be done to bring Appalachia to 
parity with the rest of the Nation. We must continue to invest in the 
region's educational programs, because the long-term economic success 
of this region truly rests in the hands of a well-informed, educated 
and skilled workforce. We must also focus on working together to fight 
rampant drug use and abuse, a national epidemic that proliferates in 
the pockets of Appalachia. And of equal importance, we need to continue 
to invest in industrial infrastructure, broadband expansion, business 
development, health care, and workforce training.
  While Governor, I had the honor of serving as the cochair for the 
State's representative of ARC and now, as a U.S. Senator from 
Appalachia, I continue to be a strong supporter of the program. ARC has 
proven over the past 50 years that a partnership between the Federal, 
State, and local government can work together to help improve the 
economic success in regions across West Virginia and Appalachia. It is 
truly an honor to recognize them today for their work to improve and 
develop this special American region.

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