Domestic Policy Trip Appalachia
The White House Fellows Class of 2000-2001 traveled to Appalachia for its second domestic policy trip on March 28-30. Traveling to West Virginia and Kentucky allowed the class to explore domestic issues in a rural context. This region of Appalachia remains one of the most economically distressed areas of the country with high unemployment, a lack of infrastructure, and serious environmental concerns.

At the Mountain Arts Center, the Fellows experienced the music that made Eastern Kentucky famous. They were serenaded by local townsfolk in the town's musical barbershop and were guests of honor at a bluegrass/country music show at the Jenny Wiley State Lodge.

After the trip, the Fellows had a much better understanding of how geography continues to play an important role in the development of Appalachia. Additionally, the class was struck by the warmth of the people we met who were thrilled we chose to visit West Virginia and Kentucky.

Wednesday, March 28

• Meeting with Governor Bob Wise
• "Hungry Beach" Nature Preserve Conservation
• West Virginia Aqua Fish Hatchery Aquaculture Industry
• Tour Coal Mine in the Mingo-Logan area and Mountaintop Removal Site
• Loretta Lynn's Butcher Hollow Home
  

Thursday, March 29

• Trus Joist Facility, Coalfields Industrial Park
• Discussion Panel on Economic Diversification, Building a Heritage & Culture-Based Economy and Expansion of the Health Care Economy
• Hazard Community College Post-Secondary Education
• Lunch with Hazard Mayor William Gorman
• Hazard/Perry Country Community Ministries Programs
• Social Services
• Tour of Prestonsburg Mountain Arts Center
• Meeting with John Rosenberg, Director of the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund
• Dinner at famous Billy Ray's Restaurant
• Musical tribute by local town officials
  

Friday, March 30

• Welfare Reform Forum
• Lunch discussion at Marshall University Transportation and Teaching
• Meeting at Lincoln County Primary Health Care Facility
• Rural Medicine and Distance Learning
• Return to Washington D.C.