The Northwest Alabama Rural Planning Organization was recently formed and will place more emphasis on economic development in the rural areas. They will work very closely with the State Department of transportation on planning issues that affect rural areas. The Organiztion is based on a pilot program working in Tuscaloosa County. The Regional Planning Organiztion includes areas in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion, and Winston counties. Hamilton's Mayor Ray Harper was named vice chairman of the RPO's policy committee. The hopes of spurring small town development will come from improving transportation corridors. Research will be done to determine if grants are available for rural projects. The RPO would meet at least twice a year, possibly more.