Austin - Commissioner Todd Staples is pleased to announce the City of San Saba has become the newest member of the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program, a Texas Department of Agriculture initiative to market rural Texas.

"The voice of rural Texas continues to be heard thanks to the hard work of its proud citizens," Commissioner Todd Staples said. "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."

The GO TEXAN Rural Community Program is a free, member-based program providing resources and expertise to rural communities, businesses and organizations committed 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 special, one-time grant programs to assist in other community development efforts.

"Rural Texas has so much to offer," Commissioner 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."

Rural Texas covers approximately 80 percent of the state's total land area. Retirees are increasingly drawn to smaller rural communities with access to urban services, and rural entre-preneurialism 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," Commissioner Staples added. "We appreciate every member of the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program. Together, we preserve the past, celebrate the present and anticipate the future of rural Texas."

For more information on the GO TEXAN rural Community Program, visit

www.gotexan.org.