WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today was honored for his strong commitment to the people of Appalachia when the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) presented him with the 2012 Congressional Award during the Mountain Maryland PACE Legislative Breakfast in Annapolis. The Congressional Award is presented each year by the DDAA to a member of Congress for outstanding service to the people of Appalachia and support of the work of the local development districts and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

Senator Cardin has been a strong proponent of ARC’s mission to help bring the Region into socioeconomic parity with the nation. Senator Cardin has championed the completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) as a way to create jobs and spur economic development. He has also worked to secure greater funding for education, expanded technology and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking and biking trails.

“I am honored by this award and I pledge to continue my work to bring greater resources and investment to Western Maryland,” said Senator Cardin.  “Western Maryland has many of our state’s greatest natural resources and we have a great opportunity to develop its natural beauty while also spurring economic development.”

“Senator Cardin has been a true champion of the work of the Appalachian Regional Commission, strongly supporting our economic development projects in Western Maryland’s Appalachian counties of Garrett, Allegany, and Washington. His leadership in the Senate on Appalachian issues has been vital to the success of ARC’s mission not just in Maryland but throughout the Appalachian Region,” said Earl Gohl, co-chairman of the ARC.

The DDAA is a public, nonprofit organization made up of Appalachia’s 72 multicounty planning and development districts. Its members work closely with ARC, other federal and state agencies, and local residents to identify and address economic development needs and opportunities in their communities.

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