Obama Administration Requests $76 Million for ARC for FY 2012

WASHINGTON, February 14, 2011—The Obama administration proposed a federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2012 today that requests $76 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) community and economic development programs.

The Commission's programs are designed to advance the four goals of the ARC strategic plan:

1. Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation.
2. Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy.
3. Develop and improve Appalachia's infrastructure to make the Region economically competitive.
4. Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia's isolation.

Within these goals, the diversification of the Appalachian economy will be a major objective of the Obama administration's special interagency team focusing on the challenges facing the Region through the Appalachian Regional Development Initiative.

ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl said, "President Obama's FY 2012 budget continues the administration's strong support for the Appalachian Regional Commission and its work with state and local partners to create jobs in Appalachia. The president has recommended Congress not cut ARC funding but instead appropriate $76 million for FY 2012, which is the same amount he recommended in FY 2010 and FY 2011."

The administration's budget proposal will now go to Congress for its consideration.