Clarke County Democrat

Tombigbee Action Commission kicks off Nov. 6 in Camden





The kickoff of the Tombigbee Action Commission is set for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6 in Camden. The meeting is open to the public and will take place in the auditorium of the Camden School of Arts and Technology located at 303 Broad Street. This is part of Gov. Bob Riley’s new statewide initiative aimed at improving the quality of life throughout our state.

The Tombigbee Action Commission includes Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox Counties.

Riley said “I am excited about our efforts to expand the action commission statewide.” We have a tremendous leadership team in place in the Tombigbee region that is committed to establishing an open process for any citizen to become involved in their efforts to build partnerships to improve the quality of life for citizens in this area of our state.”

Jackson Mayor Richard Long, Regional Co- Chair of the Tombigbee Action Commission, said, “There are many efforts underway to improve the quality of life throughout the region. Governor Riley’s vision to utilize the successful Black Belt model throughout the state will unite all of these efforts in our region under one umbrella. All of the quality of life efforts will get the additional support and leadership of the Tombigbee Action Commission and additional resources from the state.”

Evergreen Mayor Larry Fluker is also a regional co-chair and said, “The Alabama Rural Action Commission will serve as an important catalyst to help us improve the quality of life for citizens across the state. I am pleased to join a diverse and talented group of citizens in our region working toward this goal. Please join us in Camden on Nov. 6 for our kickoff meeting.”

John Clyde Riggs, Executive Director of the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission and Deputy Co-Chair of the Tombigbee Action Commission, said, “I look forward to working with all interested citizens to take action in order to make a difference in key quality of life issues. want to thank Gov. Riley for his leadership and look forward to beginning our work in this region.”

The Alabama Rural Action Commission was created by Riley in May based upon the successful model he established with the Black Belt Action Commission (BBAC) in 2004.

The Alabama Rural Action Commission is comprised of eight regional “Action Commissions” encompassing all 67 Alabama counties. Former State Senator Gerald Dial serves as the Executive Director of Alabama Rural Action Commission. In phase one, the ARAC is focusing on Economic Development, Workforce Development, Health and Education.

For more information on the Alabama Rural Action Commission or the Tombigbee Action Commission kickoff, please contact Bessie Sharp at Bessie.Sharp@adeca.alabama.gov or call (334) 353-8286.


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