Jay Rockefeller: “46 years ago, Congress made a promise to the thirteen Appalachian Regional Commission member States--New York…”

“46 years ago, Congress made a promise to the thirteen Appalachian Regional Commission member States--New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi--to complete the ADHS. The initial Appalachian Regional Commission recognized that, while the Interstate Highway System was slated to provide historic economic benefits to most of our nation, the system was designed to bypass the Appalachian Region. The Commission found that the limited access to these regions stifled the economic opportunities for countless communities--a problem that can unfortunately still be seen all these years later. Today, I rise to introduce the Appalachian Development Highway System Act of 2011. This legislation will move us toward the completion of the ADHS and keep that promise. This bill would also allow states that have additional ADHS funds they cannot spend to loan to other states throughout the Appalachian region which have ADHS projects that are the closest to commencing construction. Such a provision will mean that funds are spent in the most efficient and streamlined manner possible. West Virginia represents a microcosm of the transportation successes and difficulties throughout the country. While our state faces challenges, they aren't unique to West Virginia. Communities throughout Appalachia are also tackling these same difficulties.…”