Political Quotes

“I rise in support of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act. I know firsthand that the Economic Development Administration and the Appalachian Regional Commission are proven programs that work. These programs have been key factors in helping bring jobs and better economic opportunity to our rural communities. The grants and technical assistance provided by EDA and ARC have enabled many of our local communities in Mississippi to develop water and sewer systems, roads and other facilities that would not have been possible otherwise. As a result, these communities have been able to develop industrial parks and set up other attractive opportunities for business and industry to locate there. That means jobs and an increased tax base. Much progress has been made, but I strongly support efforts to continue this process to allow ARC and EDA to further develop infrastructure such as roads and highways and to provide important technical assistance to help businesses in rural areas like Mississippi survive and grow. I know the Appalachian Regional Commission is responsible for nearly 1,000 new job opportunities in Mississippi in 1993 alone. Without ARC support, many of these projects and jobs would not have gone forward.”