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Rahall Hails Economic Benefits of the Appalachian Development Highway System

06/05/08

Acting as Co-Chairman of the Appalachian Congressional Caucus, Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV) hosted a press briefing in our Nation’s Capital today to highlight the promising findings of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) recently completed study on the Economic Impact of Completing the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS).

“The Appalachian Development Highway System has played a key role in boosting the economy of my home state of West Virginia, linking formerly isolated communities to markets throughout the Nation and beyond and helping to create new jobs and brighter economic opportunities,” said Rahall.  “This report provides strong evidence to support those of us who are working to provide the necessary funding to complete this system and achieve the full measure of potential it has so long promised.”  

The ADHS is the first highway system authorized by Congress for the purpose of stimulating economic development. Once completed, the 3,571-mile near-interstate grade highway system will connect 31 corridors into an integrated network linking the 13 Appalachian states to national markets and trade flows. 

According to the study, the completion of the ADHS will provide: 

  • Regional Economic and Job Gains: Completing the ADHS is projected to create 80,500 jobs, $3.2 billion in wages, and generate over $5 billion in increased regional economic activity by 2035.
  • National Efficiency Savings: Nationally, savings in travel time, and fuel and non?fuel operating costs, and increased safety are estimated to grow to $5.1 billion annually by 2035.
  • Enhanced Global Competitiveness: ADHS completion will enhance the future economic competitiveness of the national and ARC regional economies by providing additional capacity for the national transportation system, which will better link the region to the global marketplace.
“We have seen the impact in my home district in southern West Virginia, where the completion of Corridor G several years ago, for example, has resulted in new businesses, with new jobs, and new homes -- and a renewed sense of hope -- sprouting up all along that route,” said Rahall. “That public investment led to impressive private-sector growth, and that is what a sound government investment ought to do.”