Rahall defends ARC

by: Carnacki

Thu Oct 14, 2010 at 16:14:24 PM EDT

LOGAN, W.Va. -- During a $1.5 million water extension project check presentation today to the Logan County Public Service District in Logan, W.Va., U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV03) defended the Appalachian Region Commission's (ARC) programs, which have survived a slew of budget and program cuts in the past decades, as he welcomed the agency's Federal Co-Chairman, Earl Gohl, back to West Virginia.

"The ARC has often been the lifeline that saved critical projects for West Virginia, and I've fought Presidents, and bureaucratic pipsqueaks, and puffed up politicians many times to keep ARC fighting for us," said Rahall, Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that oversees the ARC and its programs.  "Through it all, we have lifted families' fortunes, brought numerous counties out of economically distressed status and built foundations for job growth.  I'm not about to let up fighting for the ARC as long as we have families who need water, health clinics, highways, or help with jobs and economic development."

Rahall praised ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl, who joined Rahall at the Logan event during his tour of projects and program sites in southern West Virginia this week.

"It's always appreciated when the top man takes the time to be a first-hand witness to not only the needs and challenges, but also the opportunities and vision we have for our corner of ARC's 13-state jurisdiction," said Rahall of Gohl.

USDA Rural Development also awarded an $860,000 development grant and $600,000 loan to the Marsh Fork project, which extends water service to 280 families, churches, and businesses to complete the nearly $3 million project in Logan and Lincoln Counties. Communities in the project area include Marsh Fork, Striker Fork, West Fork Road, Piney Fork and Barker Hollow. The Logan County Public Service District (PSD) will install 35,900 linear feet of water line along County Route 3/4 and 70 northwest to the intersection of County Route 19 and 70 where it will connect to an existing line.

While Logan and Lincoln have experienced growth in the project area, the availability of safe and reliable water will further encourage the further development of residential and commercial property. In addition, the new water service will provide fire protection service to the project area through the placement of 26 fire hydrants.

Rahall was also joined at the ceremony by Bobby Lewis, USDA Rural Development State Director; Logan County Commission President, Art Kirkendoll; Logan County Administrator, Rocky Adkins; Logan County PSD Board Chairman, Ben Lowe and Board Member, Mike Stone; Logan PSD General Manager, Bill Baisden; and Michele Craig, Executive Director, Region II Planning & Economic Development Council.

Rahall stressed the importance of local funding and participation to succeed in acquiring federal funding.

"Having a Public Service District and a County Commission that not only work as a team, but that also plan long range and implement those plans is music to the ears of federal grant-makers, so we are singing your praises, as well, today, Commissioners and Chairman Lowe. I'm going to keep fighting from the federal level long and hard to keep building for my fellow West Virginians the foundation -- the fundamental state-of-the-art infrastructure -- no locality could ever afford on its own, so we can not only compete, but prosper with the rest of our great nation," said Rahall. "To me, that is a critical role for good government."