Release Date: Dec. 16, 2010

Gibbs Receives Committee Assignments

Lakeville, OH  -- Congressman-Elect Bob Gibbs (R-OH) today announced his committee assignments for the 112th Congress. Gibbs will be serving as a member of the Agriculture Committee, as well as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"I'm very pleased with my committee assignments, more specifically about the ability to make a positive impact on the 18th district as a member of those panels," said Gibbs. "As one of only a handful on the Agriculture Committee with a strong agricultural background, I will be able to use my experience to immediately impact the agenda and legislation before the committee."

Gibbs served as the Vice Chairman of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees during his tenure in the Ohio Legislature. He also served as a member of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. "Ohio is a vital part of our nation's transporation infrastructure," said Gibbs. "Transportation and infrastructure equate to economic development in our region. My top priority is to make sure that the 18th district has a strong advocate while debating the important issues that affect our region and state."

Agriculture in Ohio: Ohio has over 75,000 farms, with an average of over 180 acres per farm. Food and agriculture is Ohio's top industry, contributing over $93 billion to the state's economy. Ohio ranks second in the nation in egg production; 5th in soybeans; 7th in corn production; and 9th in pork production.

Transportation in Ohio: The Ohio River accounts for 1/3 of all maritime cargo moving inland in the United States each year, with over 275 million tons traveling its waterways. When it comes to railroads, Ohio operates over 5,400 miles of tracks with 35 railroad companies operating the system. Ohio is 5th in the nation with over 8,300 freight railroad employees, paying over $500 million in wages.