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Georgia’s ARC funds assist on strategic projects

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. As a member state of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Georgia has effectively used federal funds to make strategic investments in projects to assist communities, support business development and job creation, and improve economic opportunities for hardworking Georgians in the Appalachian region. The 37 counties of North Georgia - from Trenton to Elberton, and Rabun Gap to Rockmart - are all part of the ...

Embrace learning accurate history

When John Brown raided Harpers Ferry, W.Va., in 1859, he had a couple of young men from Salem with him, Edwin and Barclay Coppock. Salem also was home to an abolitionist newspaper and homes providing safe haven on the Underground Railroad. I grew up in Salem and never learned any of these stories. Why wasn’t this in my history classes? When I first started learning some of the stories that were left out of history class, I felt angry. A fire had been lit inside of me, and I was burning to learn more. Many wanted to label me, saying I was “self-indoctrinated” or “racist ...

ARP collaboration could transform Valley

What does one job mean to the Mahoning Valley? It means one family can buy school supplies and clothes, spend time at the baseball field on the weekend and go out to eat every now and then. It means adequate health care, paying the mortgage and putting gas in the car. It restores self-esteem, reduces stress and sometimes even saves a marriage. Since all that comes with one job, we as government and community leaders need to focus our efforts on a bold strategy for the Valley that emphasizes job creation, education and quality of life. The path forward now is made easier by the ...

Moving Appalachia Ohio forward

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. The Appalachian region of Ohio is diverse in both landscapes and people. The 32 Ohio counties that make up Appalachian Ohio have terrain perfect for hiking and biking, beautiful waterways for boating or fishing, and even sandy beaches on our northern coast in Ashtabula. My wife Fran and I just spent a few days in part of the region with our family, enjoying outdoor opportunities at Lake Hope in McArthur, a ...

We promised never to forget, but we have

This year we observe the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It’s a day we swore never to forget. But in 2021, we have sorely forgotten. In recent weeks, U.S. troops abruptly pulled out of Afghanistan, and the Taliban quickly filled the void. But instead of immediately seizing control of cities, the Taliban first sought control of the few roads and airports that allowed people to exit the country freely. Then, by setting up checkpoints and immediately executing those who seek refuge, they effectively trapped everyone in the country as they regroup and close in. Those trying to escape by ...

West Virginia partners with ARC for improvement

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. For every home improvement project, big or small, you need the right tools to get the job done. That's one way to think about the Appalachian Regional Commission, or ARC. Since 1965, ARC has been committed to investing in Appalachia by providing essential resources to build our communities, upgrade our infrastructure, and develop our regional economy. ARC is a federal-state-local partnership, which ...