WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was recognized for his advocacy on behalf of economic development initiatives in Appalachia, receiving the 2013 Congressional Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) during a ceremony in Washington.

“Strong rural communities demand economic investment and development,” Brown said. “That’s why these local development districts throughout Appalachian Ohio are so important. By tapping into the revolving loan fund and federal grants, these organizations make a huge difference in the communities they serve. I appreciate the Development District Association of Appalachia’s work on behalf of Southeastern Ohio rural communities, and I am honored to receive this award.”

The Congressional Award is given annually to one or two members of Congress who have been identified as strong advocates and supporters of regional economic development in general and the work of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and its mission to improve the quality of life for residents of Appalachia. Past recipients include former U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), Bill Frist (R-TN), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and George Voinovich (R-OH). 

Brown has been a strong supporter of the ARC and its mission. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Brown worked to ensure adequate funding for the ARC, and his office routinely attends meetings of the local development districts in Southeast Ohio.  Brown, who is the first Ohioan to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 40 years and who is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation, has also been a strong advocate for a five-year farm bill, which would save taxpayer dollars while creating jobs and boosting rural development.

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