1. Network Appalachia Access to Global Opportunity in the 21 st Century

2. Access to Opportunity Macro-Economic Transition Local & Regional Local & Regional National National Global GlobalTelecommunications Intermodal global supply chain Global markets Access to Opportunity Appalachia Development Highway System Network Appalachia

3. Launching Network Appalach ia Study Group Formed Transportation International Trade Economic Development FHWA Funding Secured Consultant Selected Design Research & Planning Activities

4. Planning for Net “A” Planning Session #1 Virginia - October, 2007 Introduce Study Group Introduce Study Group Frame research & planning approach Frame research & planning approach Review RFP & consultant selection process Review RFP & consultant selection process Tour Virginia Inland Port Tour Virginia Inland Port Planning Session #2 Alabama - March, 2008 Introduce consultant firm Introduce consultant firm Finalize research & planning process Finalize research & planning process Direct consultant to launch research Direct consultant to launch research Tour Huntsville International Intermodal Center Tour Huntsville International Intermodal Center Planning Session #3 Georgia - July, 2008 Review economic, commercial & demographic trends Review economic, commercial & demographic trends Identify evolving commodity flows–China, India, & S. America Identify evolving commodity flows–China, India, & S. America Establish access matrix; regional challenges & opportunities Establish access matrix; regional challenges & opportunities Tour Port of Savannah Tour Port of Savannah

5. Planning for Net “A” Planning Session #4 Washington–September, 2008 Evaluate research findings Evaluate research findings Finalize outreach program structure & process Finalize outreach program structure & process Identify stakeholders & participants Identify stakeholders & participants Schedule outreach workshops. Schedule outreach workshops. Conduct Outreach Workshops–Oct/Jan, 2008/09 Planning Session #5 Maryland – February, 2009 Integrate research & engagement input Integrate research & engagement input Identify & prioritize tactical & strategic findings Identify & prioritize tactical & strategic findings Establish report framework Establish report framework Final Report – Summer, 2009

6. What We’re Learning Dynamic Economic Trends Global economy transitions commodity flow patterns & volumes Global economy transitions commodity flow patterns & volumes Emerging intermodal trade lanes shape economic prosperity Emerging intermodal trade lanes shape economic prosperity Gateway ports face increasing congestion challenges Gateway ports face increasing congestion challenges Appalachia has both need and capacity for economic growth Appalachia has both need and capacity for economic growth A New Approach Inter-jurisdictional Inter-jurisdictional Inter-modal Inter-modal Public/private partnerships Public/private partnerships Corridors of commerce & inland ports Corridors of commerce & inland ports Positioning for Success in the 21 st Century “E-3” Theme – Economic Opportunity “E-3” Theme – Economic Opportunity Energy Efficiencies Energy Efficiencies Environmental Stewardship Environmental Stewardship Enhance competitiveness & attract economic opportunity Enhance competitiveness & attract economic opportunity

7. Discussion