MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley today signed Executive Order No. 5, establishing the Alabama Rural Development Office.

Bentley named former Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks Director of the ARDO.

The purpose of the new office is to improve and advance education, health care, and economic development in the rural areas of Alabama. The order also rescinds previous executive orders which created the Black Belt Action Commission and the Alabama Rural Action Commission. The missions and responsibilities of the Black Belt Action Commission and the Alabama Rural Action Commission will now be implemented by the Alabama Rural Development Office.