U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) continued his fight to create new jobs and economic development opportunities in West Virginia by pledging his full support for the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Rahall joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in urging the Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice and Commerce to maintain and preserve funding for EDA in 2006.

"The President's proposal to eliminate the Economic Development Administration would be awful for West Virginia," said Rahall. "The Federal EDA has been a willing and essential partner on so many Economic Development projects in West Virginia over the last several years. For example, making Wolf Creek Park in Fayette County functional by extending water and sewer lines and creating an access road so residents can take advantage of this important development zone. Additionally, I recently announced that a new motorsports complex planned for Mingo County has been invited to submit a full application for funding to the Economic Development Administration, which would fund the first phase of bringing a motorsports complex and many new business initiatives to the area."

According to the Department of Commerce, 2004 EDA investment in our communities created over 100,000 jobs and leveraged $10 billion in private sector funds. Recent independent evaluations of the agency have found that EDA projects are completed on time, leverage a government-leading ration of private sector investment, and lead the way in creating and retaining quality private sector jobs at minimal taxpayer expense.

"The EDA has consistently supported southern West Virginia job creation by supporting our local projects and providing funding," said Rahall. "These programs are crucial to development in West Virginia and I will continue my efforts to ensure that we keep a strong federal partner in our push to create jobs and build local infrastructure."

In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice and Commerce, Rahall and his colleagues said, "EDA has proved its worth by creating jobs, building infrastructure, and strengthening communities people can be proud to call home."

Rahall concluded, "The EDA has long-been one of America's most successful federal programs, and this is why maintaining the Economic Development Administration enjoys strong bipartisan support in the halls of Congress."