Feds Look To Boost Economy In Rural Areas in PA

U-S Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan has met with business leaders and agricultural producers in Pennsylvania about ways to boost sales and create jobs.
The trip comes two weeks after President Obama established the White House Rural Council, which is designed to protect agricultural areas and will include the departments of Labor, Interior and Transportation.
Merrigan says the effort will look at ways to curb the recent migration out of rural areas.

"We need to have young people see opportunity in rural America. We want them to raise their families there, start businesses there, continue with the family farm there. And if we want that to happen, we need to do some things differently."

She says the group will focus on stimulating rural economies.....

"They’re going to be focused on rural America and trying to increase economic opportunity there, both on the farm and ranch, but also in rural businesses of all varieties because there are a lot of issues around job training and economic developments."

Merrigan says the council is also looking to boost conservation efforts and education programs in rural areas. The council is expected to meet sometime this summer.