04/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2024 14:17
Charleston, WV - Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) proposed rule to update its rural definition to better capture the mountainous and rugged terrain of Appalachia, which will ensure that West Virginia communities receive the federal funding they deserve. This proposed rule is a direct result of Senator Manchin's continued efforts, specifically the language he secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill directing the use of the new definition.
"West Virginia is the only state that lies completely within the Appalachian Mountain region," Senator Manchin said. "Much of our state, and Appalachia as a whole, continues to be miscategorized as 'urban,' which prevents critical federal resources from reaching many of our communities. I applaud HRSA for taking this first step towards accurately classifying rurality in America and I will continue doing everything I can to ensure its swift implementation."
Senator Manchin's recent efforts to improve federal classifications for rural Appalachia: