Alan B. Mollohan: “Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Florida. The…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Florida. The Appalachian Regional Commission [ARC] was created in 1965 as an answer to a century of neglect and exploitation in one of the most economically distressed regions of America. Since its inception, the ARC has had an extraordinary impact on the quality of life and economic health of those who live in Appalachia. By targeting resources through unique Federal, State, and local partnerships, the ARC has encouraged public and private investments in the Appalachian region. And it has proved to be a good investment--in many cases leveraging its dollars at a ratio of better than 6 to 1. ARC funding has produced measurable results in Appalachia. Living conditions have improved dramatically since the creation of the organization. The percentage of people living in poverty has gone down, while per capita income has gone up. More people are finishing high school. And infant mortality has fallen. More specifically, ARC funding has helped to complete more than 2,000 miles of planned highway network, enhance quality job training and readiness programs, improve access to health care, and create more than two million new private sector jobs.”