U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on Aug. 20 showed the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) just how it’s funding investment is growing economic development across her home state.
“The ARC plays such an important role in our state — particularly when it comes to diversifying and strengthening West Virginia’s economy,” Sen. Capito said.
The senator hosted ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas on several site visits to highlight the results of recent investments by the ARC, which supports economic development in the 13-state Appalachian region via infrastructure projects and workforce development, among other activities.
“I was glad to have Tim Thomas, as well as other ARC folks, with me today and appreciate their hard work and partnership with our office to address our current needs and maximize what can be done in communities like these,” the senator said.
Among their visits, Sen. Capito and Thomas toured the Cabell County Career Technology Center, as well as the West Virginia Hive in Beckley, W.Va., an entrepreneurial support network serving several locations in southern West Virginia.
“Today’s visits allowed us the opportunity to see and hear about the ARC’s good work and highlighted just how beneficial the ARC has been and will continue to be for communities like Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, and beyond,” said Sen. Capito.
Thomas noted he was pleased “to meet so many West Virginians who are leveraging ARC investments to create opportunities for their state and their communities,” and said he looks forward to “continued cooperation” between the state and ARC.
Sen. Capito has also introduced three related bills that now are included in the bipartisan America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019, S. 2302, which would authorize $287 billion over five years to maintain and repair America’s roads and bridges.
Among numerous provisions, S. 2302 would reauthorize and improve the ARC through 2025 at $180 million; provide $5 million to help develop an Appalachian ethane storage and trading hub; and increase available funding to complete parts of the Appalachian Development Highway System, according to a summary provided by Sen. Capito’s office.
Sen. Capito is a cosponsor of S. 2302, which now awaits action by the U.S. House of Representatives.