Legislative Update: President Bush Signs ARC FY 2007 Funding Legislation; House Committee Approves Five-Year ARC Reauthorization Legislation February 2007

On February 15, 2007, President Bush signed into law legislation funding the Appalachian Regional Commission through September 30. The bill contains $64.817 million for ARC's nonhighway program, level with ARC's fiscal year (FY) 2006 funding. There are no earmarks. The Senate had approved the legislation on February 14.

On February 7 the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved by voice vote a five-year ARC reauthorization bill (H.R. 799). The bill provides authorization levels for ARC's regular programs at $65 million for FY 2007; $80 million for FY 2008; $85 million for FY 2009; $90 million for FY 2010; and $95 million for FY 2011. It also authorizes an additional $12 million per year for a new ARC program on "economic and energy development" that authorizes activities in key areas identified in ARC's energy blueprint. The legislation will now go to the full House for consideration.