Following the passage of the Appalachian Regional Development Act in the House, Senator Robert C. Byrd issued this press release announcing his intent to “expedite action” on the release of the funds needed to support the programs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Byrd was in a unique position to facilitate the allocation of the $365 million proposed for funding the initial programs outlined in the Act, including the establishment of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), through June, 1966. Once fully funded, the ARC allocated monies for highway construction and infrastructure development as well as programs designed to increase job opportunities in Appalachia.

Office of Robert C. Byrd. "An Announcement from Senator Byrd." Robert C. Byrd Congressional Papers, Congress Series, 89th Congress, Box 1,. Accessed 25 April 2024. https://acsc.lib.udel.edu/exhibits/show/legislation/item/7.