President Biden's $1.2 trillion infrastructure package is set to be a boon for the wife of Sen. Joe Manchin III, a West Virginia Democrat and key swing vote for the White House's agenda.
The federal agency, which is responsible for promoting economic development in the 13 states that make up Appalachia, is led by Mr. Manchin's wife, Gayle.
Apart from money, the infrastructure package also expands the ARC's authority to increase broadband internet access by providing grants and "Technical assistance." Since being appointed to the $160,000 a year ARC co-chair position in May by the White House, Mrs. Manchin has made broadband access a top priority.
From traveling across the region to tout the need for "Connectivity" to pushing governors to do more to corral internet utilities on the topic, Mrs. Manchin argues that without proper internet access Appalachia cannot compete with the rest of the country.
"The COVID-19 pandemic brought to reality again the inequity we face," Mrs. Manchin said at a recent event in Ohio, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
On Sunday, Mr. Manchin praised the infrastructure bill as a "Big deal" that had eluded previous administrations.
Given the narrow margin, Mr. Manchin, a self-described "Moderate to conservative Democrat," holds immense sway over whether the Biden administration's agenda can become law.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/aug/1/gayle-manchin-led-commission-sees-funding-double-u/
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