WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today received the 2016 Congressional Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA). The award is in recognition of Wicker’s leadership and support of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The mission of ARC is to innovate, partner, and invest to strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, which includes 24 counties in north Mississippi.

“ARC has had a big impact on communities across north Mississippi,” Wicker said. “Over the years, the agency has funded a variety of infrastructure improvements and fostered economic development – creating jobs and making a real difference in people’s lives. I am proud to have been part of the effort to reauthorize the agency and its important work.”

“On behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission, I am delighted and honored to present Senator Wicker with the 2016 Development District Association of Appalachia Congressional Award,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl. “The Senator’s leadership has helped make Appalachia America’s next great investment opportunity.”

Wicker led the fight to include the reauthorization of ARC in last year’s highway bill, known as the FAST Act. That measure authorizes $100 million annually for the agency over the next five years. The bill also included $10 million in funds for expanding access to high-speed broadband across Appalachia, which could lead to major advancements in education, health care, and commerce.

DDAA is a nonprofit organization composed of the 73 Local Development Districts located within the 13-state area served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Rudy Johnson, Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District in Starkville, nominated Senator Wicker for the award. The DDAA Board unanimously approved the nomination.