I encourage you to look at these unique and innovative programs to see how they can work best for your communities. You know what works best for Appalachia and for its people. Clearly transportation is about people. It gives support for community development and for business opportunity. It provides a way for people to reach jobs, education, healthcare, and commercial centers.
Transportation is truly the tie that binds.
Let me close on this, I hope today s summit will energize public and private transportation planners in the Appalachian Region to form regional collaborations and partnerships that can develop new and innovative ways to promote economic opportunity. The Appalachian Summit can only be a success with your input. Working together, we can design meaningful and workable strategies that widen the circle of prosperity and give opportunity for the people of Appalachia to enjoy a better quality of life.