Published February 1991 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd West Virginia and the Proposed 1992 Federal Budget The Administration's proposed 1992 Federal budget has been made public, and although it does not go far enough, it includes several features that will be beneficial for West Virginia. For example, the budget proposes specific funding that will build up America's vital "infrastructure'' --programs and projects essential to our country's and West Virginia's future well-being and progress. Among these are public health, education, and research and development. The budget also includes funding for a number of projects on which I have been working for some time. These include: $38 million for continued construction of the Gallipolis Locks and Dam on the Ohio River; $5 million for the Tug Fork flood control project in Southwestern West Virginia; $15 million for the Winfield Lock and Dam on the Kanawha River; $30 million for the Point Marion Lock and Dam below Morgantown on the Monongahela River; and $34.5 million for the Gray's Landing Lock and Dam No.7 above Morgantown on the Monongahela. Additionally, the $38.6 million proposal for the Essential Air Service program would assure continued passenger air service to five West Virginia airports--Clarksburg/Fairmont, Elkins, Beckley, Morgantown, and Bluefield/Princeton. Although this budget proposes $100 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), extending ARC's economic development programs, this amount is not sufficient to meet the ARC corridor highway system's construction requirements. As I have in the past, I plan to continue doing everything that I can, as Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, to add funding for ARC corridor highway construction in West Virginia. Nationally, the United States is undergoing a stressful period. The current economic slowdown and the Persian Gulf War are taking their toll on our Nation's resources. Nevertheless, I am concerned that we meet vital domestic needs that represent the backbone of future economic development and progress in West Virginia and that will help to expand job opportunities and growing prosperity in our state in the years ahead. February 27, 1991