Gov. Edwards signs an executive order formally establishing the Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization. Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson, pictured, is one of the 34 people appointed to that council and he says the work is important because many rural areas are drying up.
“There’s not a lot of activity out there. We need to do something to try to get younger people to be willing to come to, stay in, and work in these rural areas,” said Anderson.
Anderson says the expansion of broadband internet availability is an opportunity to help the rural areas become a more attractive place to live and work.
“Allow people in these areas to have the same opportunities as people in more urban areas, closer to towns and stuff that have better service,” said Anderson.
The council will develop and submit a comprehensive strategic plan to the Governor on January 5th, 2021 and will supply annual progress reports thereafter. The council will also have duties in advising the Governor on the needs, issues of concern, and solutions linked to rural revitalization.
“Healthcare, education, we’ve got problems with the rural roads and bridges to be able to move our products around,” said Anderson.
