WASHINGTON, March 17, 2003—U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt of Alabama was honored today for his outstanding service to the people of the 13-state Appalachian Region by the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) during its annual training conference in Arlington, Virginia.

The DDAA is a public, nonprofit organization comprising Appalachia's multi-county planning and development districts. Its members work closely with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), other federal and state agencies, and local residents to identify and address economic development needs and opportunities in their communities.

"Representative Aderholt has been a strong voice in Congress for the entire Appalachian Region, and he has made a tremendous difference in improving the quality of life for all of its citizens," said ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne B. Pope. "Representative Aderholt provided key leadership for the Appalachian Development Highway System, which, once completed, will mean new jobs and new economic opportunities throughout the entire 3,025-mile corridor system. I am very pleased to join the Development District Association of Appalachia in recognizing the congressman for this greatly deserved award."

Joining Pope in presenting a plaque of appreciation to Aderholt was Phil Segraves, mayor of Guin, Alabama, and vice chair of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, along with Robert Culver, executive director of the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments and DDAA president.

"Representative Robert Aderholt has been a strong proponent of economic development throughout Appalachian Alabama," said Segraves. "He has led the charge in making the Corridor X highway a reality for northwest Alabama. He understands the importance of a modern highway infrastructure in spawning new businesses and creating jobs for our residents. His office is always responsive to the needs of his constituents. I am proud to call Robert Aderholt my congressman."

"All of Appalachia is indeed fortunate to have Representative Robert Aderholt in Congress," said Culver. "He knows rural issues, he understands the importance of working together, he believes that Appalachia's brightest days are still ahead. On behalf of Appalachia's 72 local development districts, it is an honor and a privilege to present this award to Representative Aderholt."

Elected in November 2002 to his fourth term representing Alabama's Fourth Congressional District, Aderholt sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and serves as vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Construction. In addition, he serves on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies; and on the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies. Aderholt also serves on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, better known as the Helsinki Commission, which is dedicated to human rights issues.

Alabama's DDAA members include: the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, in Muscle Shoals; the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham; the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments, in Decatur; the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, in Anniston; the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments, in Huntsville; the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, in Montgomery; the West Alabama Regional Commission, in Northport; and the South Central Alabama Development Commission, in Montgomery.