Gov. Ralph Northam
The Appalachian Regional Commission announced Wednesday its 13 governors have elected Gov. Ralph Northam to serve as ARC’s states’ co-chair for 2021.
As co-chair, Northam will work with the federal co-chair to invest in economic growth and development across the 13-state Appalachian region. In fiscal year 2020, ARC, a federal-state partnership, has invested $161.8 million in the region, which is home to more than 25 million people. The investment is projected to lead to an additional $858 million in private investments, the creation or retention of more than 26,000 jobs and the trainings of nearly 21,000 students, workers and leaders.
“Appalachia is a vital part of Virginia, and America, with a unique history and culture, beautiful landscapes and resilient people,” Northam said in a statement. “I am eager to work with the ARC to strengthen Appalachian communities, improving their economic health and livelihood through investments in critical infrastructure like broadband, and services like health care, especially in the fight against opioid addiction.”
