- By Marion Read
- News
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"The ARC has strengthened our region's economic progress by improving living conditions, enhancing the employability of the workforce, and investing the region's basic infrastructure," said Arcuri in opposition to an amendment which would have cut all ARC funding for FY2008. "Simply put, the numbers speak for themselves. Since its creation, the ARC has reduced the number of severely distressed counties in the region by more than 65%, cut the poverty rate from 31% to 15%, and created 1.6 million jobs."
The amendment, offered by U.S Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R- TX) to the fiscal year 2008 Energy & Water Appropriations bill, would have completely cut funding for the ARC. Earlier this year, Arcuri co-sponsored the Appalachian Regional Commission reauthorization bill (H.R. 799) which would give the commission the renewed authority it needs to continue to provide critical support for economic development. Arcuri also introduced bipartisan legislation creating a Northern Border Economic Development Commission to bring much-needed job creation and economic development resources to Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida and Herkimer Counties.
"Many communities in our district are faced with struggling local economies. The Appalachian Regional Commission provides the framework and the guidance for these communities to begin to move towards sustainable economic growth through new technology investments and economic growth strategies," said Arcuri.
H.R. 799 authorizes appropriations for the ARC through fiscal year 2011 to carry out regional economic development and extends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 for five years. In the last five years alone, projects funded by the ARC have resulted in 136,000 jobs kept or created.
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