WHEREAS,Washington's rural areas and communities represent an extremely valuable asset to the overall well-being of our state; and

WHEREAS, our rural areas and communities are faced with a wide range of social, economic, and physical problems inhibiting their full potential; and

WHEREAS, the President of the United States, recognizing both the potential and problems facing rural America, has undertaken a Small Community and Rural Development Policy initiative; and

WHEREAS, the state must provide a special emphasis within its programs and services for our rural areas and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dixy Lee Ray, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby create a State Rural Community Development Council for the purpose of examining rural conditions and existing available programs, developing a list of rural needs, and recommending courses of action to involve federal, state, and local governments, private enterprise, and citizens in meeting the challenges and opportunities in our rural areas.

FURTHER, to ensure maximum coordination of this effort, I hereby direct the Planning and Community Affairs Agency to provide the necessary staff support to this effort.

Back to Executive Orders Archive