Appalachian spring.

• Position: WESTERN REGION - Brief article

More than a half-century after President Lyndon Johnson launched the War on Poverty, with an emphasis on Appalachia, the 29 counties in western North Carolina have grown more quickly and attracted more jobs than many counterparts in the region's 11 other states. That was a key finding in a report marking the 50th anniversary of the Appalachian Regional Commission, which works to improve the region's economic fortunes. The commission "was a major milestone in terms of addressing economic-development needs, high poverty and lower income," says Patrick Woodie, president of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center. He saw the effects of the program as an Alleghany County commissioner and economic-development director. The commission's goal is for Appalachia to achieve parity with the U.S. in job opportunities and personal income. "Western North Carolina is...