By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – State Senate President Pro Tem Lowell Barron says Alabama needs a program to focus on the development of the state's rural areas. He announced Monday he will introduce legislation to create the Center for Rural Alabama. A board appointed by state officials would look for ways to help rural areas become just as successful as urban areas. State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks says it's important to keep small businesses thriving in rural areas because many farmers have second jobs.