South Asheville News

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and Congressman David Trone (MD-06) have jointly introduced the Appalachian Regional Continuing (ARC) Development Act of 2024 aimed at promoting economic development in rural Appalachian communities while reducing bureaucratic obstacles hindering progress along the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS).

The legislation addresses the challenges faced by Appalachian states in accessing federal funding beyond the current ADHS mileage limitations, particularly for the completion of corridors serving extremely rural communities. Congressman Edwards emphasized the significance of the ADHS for the region, stating, "The Appalachian Mountains make up the vast majority of our beautiful district, and while our region has been historically neglected, the creation of the ADHS in 1965 finally started to give this region the necessary resources to boost growth."

Highlighting the need to overcome legal and bureaucratic hurdles, Congressman Edwards added, "Now, nearly 60 years later, legal technicalities and government bureaucracy have gotten in the way of completing the highway system for our communities. The ARC Development Act will get rid of bureaucratic red tape and provide the Department of Transportation the resources it needs to connect our mountain communities with the rest of the state and generate more economic opportunity for Western North Carolinians."

Congressman Trone echoed the importance of linking the Appalachian region to national interstates for economic growth, stating, "Connecting the Appalachian region to our national interstates is essential to fostering economic growth and development in our rural communities." He further emphasized his commitment to expanding opportunities for rural areas, saying, "By making it easier to apply for ADHS funding, we are ensuring that this highway system gets up and running quicker. In Congress, I'll always fight to expand opportunities for our rural communities."

The ARC Development Act aims to facilitate the completion of ADHS corridors, benefiting states like North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia, which are expected to receive additional miles to address environmental setbacks and connect underserved Appalachian communities to the broader interstate system.