“I am committed to fighting for increased federal funding support for the ARC, which is charged with funding so many of our bread and butter issues in West Virginia. I think Chairman Gohl well understands the vital role his agency often serves as the key piece in completing the funding puzzle,” said Rahall. “I look forward to working with him and the seasoned and talented team at ARC who serves our state so well. The thousands of individuals in my district alone who have benefitted from ARC investments is a testament to the impact this organization has throughout Appalachia.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission is critical to infrastructure development projects throughout West Virginia. In FY2009 the ARC dispersed over $5 million in project funds, focused mainly on extending water and sewer services. For over four decades, the ARC has improved the quality of life for 23 million Americans in the Appalachian Region and brought together federal, state, and private sector partners with local communities.
ARC Federal Co-Chairman, Earl F. Gohl, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March this year, came to ARC with 20 years of experience in state and local government in Pennsylvania.
“Congressman Rahall's hard work and leadership has resulted in critical investment and opportunities for West Virginia,” stated ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl. “I am looking forward to teaming with Chairman Rahall to create more opportunities in his district.”
Recent ARC water and sewer projects like the $1.5 million towards the construction of water infrastructure for the Danese Public Service District that will serve approximately 200 residences and 15 businesses are invaluable. Yet another example includes the Summersville Regional Water Plant which has received $1.5 million in ARC funds towards an extension project that will provide water to communities in Nicholas County- the proposed facility initially served approximately 2,061 existing customers and 27 new customers.
The ARC is also working to improve employment opportunities throughout southern West Virginia. In Nicholas County, the ARC provided $591,479 in ARC funds to the Sheltered Workshop to construct a new facility and expand services to offer employment opportunities for the challenged citizens of the county.
The ARC also distributes money through the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), which is reauthorized under each Surface Transportation bill.
In fiscal year 2009, West Virginia was apportioned $36,139,052 from SAFETEA-LU for use on its ADHS Corridors, with a total ADHS-Funded Obligations to date (Federal and State) equaling $2.84 billion.
The ADHS, the first highway system authorized by Congress for the purpose of stimulating economic development, is a highway system composed of 31 corridors in the 13 Appalachian States. The system is currently about 85 percent finished and its completion will link the whole system into an integrated network connecting to national markets and trade flows that will enhance the connectivity of the Appalachian people and businesses to other highway facilities, multimodal transportation and markets.
“In this economic climate, every dollar counts. Over the life of the ADHS, each dollar invested is expected to result in $1.32 in economic benefits and save $1.10 in travel efficiency benefits,” said Rahall.
“This type of return on investment is exactly how we should be focusing our federal dollars to continue to pull out of our economic crisis. And with 109.2 miles currently under construction many dollars could be put to use quickly, investing and improving in our transportation infrastructure, while getting America back to work.”
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