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Washington – The Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management will hold a hearing next week to examine the impact of the opioid crisis on efforts in Appalachia to spur economic development and growth in distressed communities, possible solutions, and the role of federal economic development programs, such as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in addressing this epidemic. 

The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over various regional economic development agencies, including the ARC.  These economic development entities provide federal assistance to economically distressed areas for the creation of long-term employment opportunities and economic growth.  Support under these programs can assist in planning, technical assistance, job training and the physical infrastructure needed to attract employers and jobs in communities to spur economic growth. 

The Subcommittee will examine what role federal economic development programs can have in addressing the opioid problem in Appalachia. 

This hearing of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, chaired by U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA), is entitled, “The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region.”  The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.

The Subcommittee will hear testimony from:

• The Honorable Harold Rogers (R-KY), Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives
• The Honorable Earl Gohl, Federal Co-Chair, Appalachian Regional Commission
• Mr. Barry L. Denk, Director, The Center for Rural Pennsylvania
• Ms. Nancy Hale, President and Chief Executive Officer, Operation UNITE
• Mr. Jonathan P. Novak, Esq., Former Attorney for the Drug Enforcement Administration

More information about the hearing, including testimony, additional background information, and live webcast, will be posted here as it becomes available.