Dateline: December 12, 2002

Association working for rural communities

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Local residents and people in other small towns are now being represented by a new organization created to become a strong voice for rural Texas.

The City of Clarendon recently became a member of the Association of Rural Communities in Texas (ARCIT), which will be working for towns west of I-35, according to Mayor Tex Selvidge.

“We feel like it would be beneficial to Clarendon and other small towns to have one voice for rural communities,” Selvidge said.

ARCIT was initially formed in response to the creation of the Office of Rural Community Affairs.  The new state agency will be monitored by ARCIT to ensure State and Federal funds designed for rural areas end up in rural areas.  As the association grows, its membership will direct the board and staff as to other state agencies they would like ARCIT to monitor and advocate for rural issues.

Eligible entities include cities under 50,000 and counties under 200,000. Also eligible to join are economic development corporations and utility district, that serve those areas.

ARCIT will act as an advocate for rural communities during the upcoming 78th Legislative Session.  The organization is governed by an eleven-member board and has about 200 members.

High Spring City manager George Fite is president. 

“At a recent House Committee Hearing discussing rural issues, thirteen State Agency Directors were in attendance, and ARCIT was the only voice there to represent the rural cities and counties,” said Fite.  “We intend to be a strong voice for Rural Texas.”

To learn more, visit arcit.org.