Van Hollen Secures $155 million for Jobs, Economic Growth through the Appalachian Regional Commission

Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen announced that he has helped secure $155 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the Senate Appropriations FY 2019 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Bill. Since its creation, ARC has invested in 25,000 projects across Appalachia, creating nearly 312,000 jobs and generating $10 billion in added earnings for the region. In FY2017 alone, Maryland received $1.5 million in ARC grants.

 

“ARC funding creates jobs, strengthens our infrastructure, and boosts economic growth in Western Maryland. From rebuilding bridges and schools to expanding roads that surround economic development, this program is vital to the entire region. I will keep working on a bipartisan basis not just to protect it, but to expand it,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

After President Trump proposed eliminating ARC’s funding in his 2017 budget, Senator Van Hollen joined a bipartisan group of colleagues urging the president to reconsider and work with Congress to find the funds necessary. This represents full funding for this vital economic program.

 

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