Marking the 72nd anniversary of the formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Delegates Mike Caputo, Sam Cann (D-Harrison), Ron Fragale (D-Harrison), Richard Iaquinta (D-Harrison), Linda Longstreth (D-Marion), Tim Manchin (D-Marion) and Tim Miley (D-Harrison) have sponsored a resolution honoring the contributions of the West Virginia Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and designating March 31st of each year as CCC Recognition Day. The resolution, slated for introduction during the 2005 Regular Legislative Session will recognize the service of an estimated 55,000 men who were a part of the West Virginia CCC.

“The men of the CCC provided vital resource conservation and fire prevention in the forests of West Virginia, not to mention they planted millions of trees, built hundred of miles of roads and dozens of bridges,” stated Delegate Mike Caputo, lead sponsor of the resolution. “In addition, these individuals also built flood control mechanisms and water conservation ponds, as well as many of our state parks, lodges, swimming pools and other recreational areas.”

In addition to the services the members of the CCC provided West Virginians, many continued on to further distinguish themselves as brave soldiers during World War II. After their public service, many members became effective components of the workforce, utilizing the job skills learned while in the CCC.

“President Franklin Roosevelt, back on March 31, 1933, created the CCC to help curb the high unemployment problems facing the American people during the Great Depression,” added Caputo. “But the work that these selfless men accomplished throughout the past seven decades has given so much more to not only the people of West Virginia, but to all Americans. I am extremely happy to introduce this resolution and continue to honor the service of the West Virginia CCC.”