Page images
PDF
EPUB

The high school dropout rate in the Appalachian area exceeds slightly the rate for the State as a whole. The percentage of high school graduates of the region entering college is less than that for the State. The percentage of persons 25 years of age and over who have not completed the fifth grade of school is well above the percentage for the State and the Nation.

The Commission on Vocational Education in its 1963 report to the Governor and the general assembly presented forcefully the need for more persons trained as skilled craftsmen and technicians. The Commission further set forth recommendations for strengthening instruction in vocational education at the high school level, developing on a pilot study basis special courses for potential dropouts and courses involving a study of clusters of closely related occupations, and establishing additional area vocational-technical schools. Although time does not permit more detailed discussion, it is obvious that there is great need in the Appalachian region for expansion of vocational education for high school students and adults. There is also a great need for expanded programs for teaching out-of-school youths and adults basic skills in order that they may be better prepared to benefit from instruction in vocational education.

Suitable and remunerative employment is clearly an essential solution to the problems of low-income or disadvantaged people able to enter the labor market. Several counties in southwestern Virginia have substantial numbers of both men and women without any encouraging prospect of finding jobs through their own efforts, but who are readily adaptable to work opportunities if work can be found for them.

Such people form a reservoir of unutilized manpower, and their referral to gainful employment would contribute immeasurably to their own status and satisfaction in life, as well as to the prosperity of their community and State.

While the Employment Service cannot create jobs, it can be effectively instrumental in searching out vacancies which exist, in helping to attract new industries, and in guiding jobseekers to appropriate openings with a minimum of wasted effort. I therefore agree that adequate services for registration, counseling, and placement responsibilities are indicated and would be beneficial. It is recognized that the water resources of the Virginia portion of Appalachia can contribute toward improvement in the general economy. Projects involving flood control, pollution control, and water-oriented recreation would be helpful in advancing the economic health of the region.

The encouragement of timber growth through improved fire control and extension of access roads and trails is a desirable objective in Appalachian Virginia.

Acceleration of State programs in topographic and geologic mapping would be desirable in developing the mineral resources of the region.

Whenever the subject of water resources is discussed, the question of public power always arises. I am opposed to any development of electric power facilities by public owned, nontaxpaying bodies.

Water resource development should embrace only recreation, conservation, and flood damage prevention. The efforts of the President's Appalachian Regional Commission can most constructively be directed to improving the needs for transportation, education, health, recreation, agriculture, and human uplifting. With reference to the general provisions of title II, part C, I can assure the committee that Virginia will not reduce the expenditure of public funds in this region of our State.

Section 222 of the act is a wise provision in that it properly gives each State and political subdivision the power to decide if it shall engage in or accept any program. Surely, not every proposal will be suitable for every Appalachian State.

Apparently, under title III, the operation of local development districts is regarded as a key proposal in this legislation. However, for such local development districts to participate financially would require enabling legislation by the General Assembly of Virginia, and a State-issued charter to such districts. I cannot here speculate on what action the Virginia legislative body will take when it meets next in regular session in 1966.

In the preparation of this statement I have deliberately avoided commenting on all provisions of the proposed legislation. I am very conscious of the fact that, with the exception of a few counties in southwest Virginia, the need for the assistance and aid contemplated by this bill is not imperative in Virginia. However, I am equally as conscious that there are areas in other States where the need is critical, and if it is to be alleviated bold, positive, and imaginative action must be taken.

[blocks in formation]

The southwestern part of Virginia is inhabited by an alert, intelligent, and ambitious people. It is rich in natural resources and has as great a potential for industrial development as any area in the United States. Its mountains, streams, and forests are among the most beautiful in the world. It should be a mecca for tourists. An acceleration of the construction of Virginia's arterial highway system, an improvement in existing educational facilities, the prompt inauguration of vocational and technical training, adequate public health facilities, together with a realistic public works program, will provide the necessary stimuli, and result in full development of the Appalachian region in Virginia.

The success of the programs envisioned by the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 depends upon their administration, and the extent to which they are coordinated with and supplement existing programs that are already in effect in the various States that constitute the Appalachian area.

There is little that this bill envisions that is not already being undertaken by existing agencies of the Commonwealth of Virginia. If the work of these agencies, and the programs now underway, can be augmented and hastened to conclusion, we feel very strongly that the problems of our Appalachian area will be solved.

Again, I express my appreciation for this opportunity to present these views.

U.S. SENATE, Washington, D.C., January 20, 1965.

Senator JENNINGS RANDOLPH,
Senate Office Building,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR: I am enclosing a copy of my amendment to the Appalachia bill which would authorize immediate action planning for regional development in up to six other depressed areas of the country.

My amendment would amend the Appalachia legislation simply to authorize immediate planning for no more than six other regions which generally meet the criteria established in the statement of purpose of the Appalachia bill approved by the Senate last year.

The amendment would not establish new commissions nor authorize major expenditures. It would only provide $10 million for immediate planning which could help other qualified depressed regions to prepare carefully drafted plans and proposals, as was done in the preparation of the Appalachia bill.

No more than $2.5 million could be spent on regional planning in any one

area.

The planning would be authorized only if the basic research and public sentiment of the region were sufficiently solid so that a viable action plan for development could be produced in 18 months.

My amendment is now before the Senate Public Works Committee. I hope that you will have a chance to review it. If there are any questions, I would be glad to try to answer them. Of course, I would welcome your support.

Sincerely yours,

GAYLORD NELSON, U.S. Senator.

On page 1, strike out lines 3 and 4 and insert in lieu thereof the following: "CHAPTER 1-APPALACHIAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

"SHORT TITLE

"SECTION 1. This chaper may be cited as the 'Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965', and all references in this chapter to this Act shall be held to refer to this chapter."

At the end of the bill add the following new chapter:

"CHAPTER 2-REGIONAL ACTION PLANNING

"TITLE V-REGIONAL ACTION PLANNING ACT OF 1965
"SHORT TITLE

"SEC. 501. This chapter may be cited as the 'Regional Action Planning Act of 1965'.

"STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

"SEC. 502. The Congress recognizes that many regions of the country, while abundant in natural resources and rich in potential, lag behind the Nation in economic growth so that the people of such regions have not shared properly in the Nation's prosperity. Often a region's uneven past development, with historical reliance on a few basic industries and marginal agriculture, have failed to provide the economic base vital as a prerequisite for vigorous self-sustaining growth. In some cases the uneven distribution of productive Federal expenditures has left regions at a comparative disadvantage. Nonetheless, in many areas of the country the State and local governments and the people of the region understand their problems and have been and are prepared to work purposefully toward their solution. It is the purpose of this chapter to assist such regions in meeting their special problems and promoting their economic development by helping to develop policies and programs for Federal, State, and local efforts essential to an attack upon common problems through a coordinated and concerted regional approach.

"REGIONAL ACTION PLAN ADMINISTRATOR

"SEC. 503. (a) The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by a Regional Action Plan Administrator (hereinafter referred to as the 'Administrator') in the Executive Office of the President. The Administrator shall be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall be compensated at the rate provided for level IV of the Federal Executive Salary Schedule.

"(b) The Administrator may, subject to the civil service and classification laws, appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

"DETERMINATION OF REGIONS

"SEC. 504. (a) The Administrator shall designate areas representing two or more contiguous States as a region for Federal-regional action planning pursuant to this chapter upon determining that—

"(1) such region lags substantially behind the rest of the Nation in its economic growth, and its people have not shared properly in the Nation's prosperity;

"(2) such region's uneven past development has failed to provide the economic base that is a vital prerequisite for vigorous self-sustaining growth; "(3) State and local governments and the people of the region understand their problems and have been and are prepared to work purposely toward their solution; and

"(4) region-wide development is feasible, desirable, and urgently needed. "(b) The Administrator may designate not to exceed six regions pursuant to subsection (a).

"(c) The Administrator shall assign an appropriate department or agency of the Federal government the responsibility for developing a Federal-regional action plan pursuant to this chapter for each region established pursuant to subsection (a). Such plan shall be developed with the participation of other Federal departments and agencies which in the Administrator's opinion can make a substantial contribution, and with representatives from each State involved.

"(d) The Administrator shall review economic information relating to the various regions of the Nation so as to determine the relative position of such regions, as compared with the rest of the Nation, in terms of unemployment, underemployment, out-migration, rate of economic growth, percentage of the population receiving welfare payments, family income, and such other economic indices he deems relevant to the purpose of this chapter.

"PLANNING ASSISTANCE

"SEC. 505. (a) The Administrator may make grants to any department or agency assigned pursuant to section 504 (c) for the development of a Federalregional action plan which is consistent with the purpose of this chapter and will

"(1) be completed prior to the date which is one and one-half years after the date of enactment of this Act;

"(2) provide for the development, on a continuing basis, of comprehensive and coordinated plans and programs for the region, including plans for land

and other natural resource use and public works, and establish priorities thereunder, with due consideration to other Federal, State, and local planning in the region;

"(3) provide for investigations, research, and studies, including where necessary inventory and analysis of the resources of the region, and in cooperation with Federal, State, and local agencies provide for demonstration projects designed to foster regional productivity and growth;

66

"(4) provide for the review and study, in cooperation with the agency involved of Federal, State, and local public and private programs and, where appropriate, the recommendation of modifications or additions which will increase the effectiveness of such programs and assist in their financing;

“(5) provide assistance in the formulation of necessary and helpful State and local laws and, where appropriate, interstate compacts, and make recommendations for other forms of interstate cooperation;

"(6) provide for the support of existing local development districts and encourage the formation of such districts where needed by providing technical assistance and assistance in the financing of a professional staff and administration;

"(7) provide for the encouragement of private investment in industrial, commercial, and recreational projects;

"(8) provide a forum for consideration of problems of the region and proposed solutions and provide for the establishment and utilization, as appropriate, of citizens and other special advisory councils and public conferences;

"(9) provide for the formulation and recommendation to the Congress of a program of development projects with proposals for Federal participation in the funding; and

"(10) provide that all such activities will be carried out by or through a single agency which will serve as a focal point and coordinating unit for Federal, State, and local programs in the region.

"(b) As a condition to making any grant pursuant to this chapter, the Administrator may require the making of such reports, in such form and containing such information, as he determines necessary to carry out his functions under this chapter. He may also require the keeping of such records and the affording of such access thereto as is necessary to verify such reports.

"(c) No grants pursuant to this chapter shall be made for the development of a plan for any one region in excess of a total of $2,500,000.

"GENERAL AUTHORITY

"SEC. 506. Any department or agency assigned the development of a Federalregional action plan pursuant to this chapter may for the purpose of such development

"(1) arrange for the services of personnel from any State or local government or any subdivision or agency thereof, or any intergovernmental agency, and pay for the same; and

"(2) enter into and perform such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, or other transactions as may be necessary in carrying out its functions and on such terms as it may deem appropriate, with any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States or with any State, or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or with any person, firm, association, or corporation.

"FEDERAL PERSONNEL ASSISTANCE

"SEC. 507. At the request of any department or agency developing a plan pursuant to this chapter, the head of any other department or agency may detail to temporary duty, on a reimbursable basis, with such agency such personnel within his administrative jurisdiction as such agency may need in developing such plan. Such temporary duty shall be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status.

"REPORT

"SEC. 508. Not later than six months after the completion of any FederalRegional Action Plan pursuant to section 505, the department or agency developing such plan shall prepare and submit to the Governor of each State in such region and to the President, for transmittal to the Congress a report on such plan.

"CONSENT OF STATES

"SEC. 509. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be interpreted as requiring any State to engage in or accept any program under this chapter without its consent.

"APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED

"SEC. 510. There is authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $10,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this chapter."

STATEMENT BY HON. GAYLORD NELSON, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, ON THE HART AMENDMENT (TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A ByPASSED AREA: THE NEED FOR AN UPPER GREAT LAKES REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY)

I am again happy to cosponsor legislation to assist in the development of the Appalachian region. We have had ample evidence that this region has been bypassed by our country's prosperity. We have read the statistics and heard the testimony which details the destitution and despair existing in many communities of Appalachia.

Last year we witnessed the opening of the President's war on poverty with the enactment of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. This year we can extend the battle lines with the early approval of this bill.

The 11-State Appalachian region is not, of course, the only region which needs assistance. President Johnson recognized this in his state of the Union address when he proposed "a new program to develop regions of our country that are now suffering from distress and depression."

Appalachia is, perhaps, the largest area to require a regional assistance program, but other smaller areas also require this coordinated approach. The threeState area of the Upper Great Lakes is one of these regions. Northern sections of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota make up this region. It, too, has been bypassed by prosperity.

Since it also is a bypassed region, I urge that the committee amend the Appalachian bill to permit the establishment of an Upper Great Lakes Regional Authority similar to the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The

I have been concerned about this area for years. Many others in the Congress, in the Federal Government, and at the State and local level have tried to find ways to help this beautiful but economically depressed region. Conferences have been held, reports written, and industrial development groups formed. Area Redevelopment Administration, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and the Housing and Home Finance Agency are some of the Federal agencies which have provided loans or grants or technical assistance. Many of these efforts have paid off in job creation and the restoration of natural resources which have been plundered in the past.

Nevertheless, much remains to be done. Unemployment much higher than the national average persists. An unemployment rate three times the national average is not uncommon in this region in the winter months. A year ago the Upper Peninsula of Michigan had an unemployment rate of 14.6 percent. The last detailed census figures taken in 1960 showed a regional unemployment rate of 8.6 percent compared to 7.1 percent for Appalachia, a rate 20 percent above that of Appalachia. Families in the poverty class-under $3,000 in annual income are 25.9 percent of the population as compared with the national share of 21.4 percent.

Because of the fall of job opportunities, the younger people are leaving the north woods. The aged remain. In my own State of Wisconsin, current estimates show that over 80 percent of the area included in the upper Great Lakes region lost population in the last 5 years. This area now has only about 7 percent of the population of Wisconsin, yet its share of the number of recipients of State public assistance for the aged is 17 percent.

Figures for last year show that the overall dependency rate for this area is 5 percent higher than its share of the State population. These figures do not show, however, how hard it is for the people of the north woods to turn to public welfare. They have always been proud of their homes and schools and communities. Their homes only now are beginning to shown signs of neglect due to lack of funds. But the decline of an area's major industry inevitably spreads

« PreviousContinue »