On Thursday evening, U.S. Senator George Voinovich (R – OH) visited Washington State Community College to build support for the continue funding of the Appalachian Regional Commission or ARC. Formed in 1965, ARC “was founded on the premise that the Appalachian region was not keeping up with the rest of the country in terms of access to trade, industry, jobs, education, and infrastructure.” (Diane DeCola, Support for ARC gathered, The Marietta Times, April 21, 2006) The Senator stated that “despite our success to date, ARC has not completed its mission in southeastern Ohio and throughout Appalachia. The most valuable investment we can make in a region is [in] its people.”
In all, ARC covers 400 counties in 13 states, representing more than 23 million people. ARC continues to be a vital player in the success of the region. For every federal dollar that ARC spends, $11 is spent from other sources, including $8 from the private sector.
ARC’s success can be seen in the numbers. Since its creation, ARC has helped lower the poverty rate from 31 percent to 13 percent. The infant mortality rate has dropped by two-thirds. Adult education has soared with an increase of 70 percent in adults with at least a high school education. The commission continues to focus on a wide range of issues and projects, ranging from jobs to telecommunications; from education to healthcare; and from sewer and water to highways.
In 2002, the ARC was reauthorized for five more years. Now, with 2007 just around the corner, the push is on to secure funding for its continuance into the future. But Voinovich points out there are still barriers to receiving funding. “One problem…is that…the pressure on…non-defense discretionary [funding] is enormous,” he said. Still, the program has considerable leverage in terms of investments beyond ARC funds. The $11 that match the federal investment will go a long ways to help secure ARC’s future. With the help of testimonies like those voiced at Thursday’s meeting, Sen. Voinovich is preparing to go to battle for ARC, and for the future of the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment