Ohio Congressman Zack Space Receives Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia

WASHINTGON, Februrary 26, 2008—U.S. Congressman Zack Space of Ohio received a 2008 Congressional Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) on February 25 for his advocacy on behalf of the 23 million people of the Appalachian Region.

Anne B. Pope, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), lauded Space at the DDAA awards ceremony in Arlington, Virginia, as one of the congressional "lions" that enabled ARC to continue doing its work. "In only one year, Zack Space has already carved out a reputation for being a vigorous advocate for rural America in general and for Appalachia in particular," Pope stated. "From telecommunication to transportation to rural development, he is single-mindedly focused on helping rural communities be competitive."

"I am truly honored to receive this recognition," Space said. "ARC has a long history of success in helping develop the Region's economy, and I am confident that it will continue in that role. My constituents rely on me to protect their interests in Congress, and ARC is very high on that priority list. As long as my constituents rely on ARC, ARC can rely on me."

Fourteen of the 16 counties in Space's 18th Congressional District are in the Appalachian Region.

The Congressional Award is presented each year by the DDAA to a member of Congress for outstanding service to the people of Appalachia and support of the work of the local development districts and ARC. Local development districts nominate candidates, and the DDAA board makes the final selection.

The DDAA is a public, nonprofit organization made up of Appalachia's 72 multicounty planning and development districts. Its members work closely with ARC, other federal and state agencies, and local residents to identify and address economic development needs and opportunities in their communities.