Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples recently announced Lampasas' acceptance as the newest member city of the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program, a rural marketing initiative of the state Department of Agriculture.

"Rural Texas is vital to the overall health of our state's economy, and with the success of our united Rural Community Program members, we can be assured of future rewards for all of Texas," Staples said.

The Rural Community Program is a free, member-based program that provides resources for rural towns, businesses and organizations dedicated to the economic strength of rural Texas. Certified members have access to ongoing reimbursable grants to help promote local events that encourage tourism, as well as to one-time grant programs to assist in other community development efforts.

"Rural Texas has so much to offer," Staples said. "Every dollar spent on preservation, beautification, new business development and tourism in rural Texas creates jobs and generates income, adding to the state's economy."

Approximately 80 percent of the state's total land area is classified as rural. Retirees are increasingly drawn to small communities with access to urban services, and rural entrepreneurialism is a growing trend. By 2040, the population in Texas' rural counties is projected to increase by more than 20 percent.

"As rural Texas continues to grow, the preservation and celebration of our rural roots remains important," Staples said. "We appreciate every member of the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program."

For more information on the Rural Community Program visit www.gotexan.org.