The announcement this week of committee leadership in the Alabama House of Representatives places Rep. Randall Shedd in a pivotal role as emphasis on rural development increases.

Shedd, R-Fairview, was named chair of the Urban and Rural Development Committee, which places him in a position to work toward improving opportunities in the state’s towns and non-incorporated areas.

“What we will be working on is how to extend economic opportunities and education into rural areas, but not at the expense of urban areas which carry our growth at this time,” Shedd said. “We want to add to what we already have and find out how to make both urban and rural areas have development that improves lives.”

Shedd said several areas of concern have been identified by the Rural Caucus of the Legislature, but that body can only study and identify issues. The Urban and Rural Development Committee will be able to bring forward ideas and plans through legislation.

“We know that in health care we have a tremendous need where rural hospitals are concerned,” Shedd said. “The critical issue is the reimbursement rate for the hospitals. You can increase funding for Medicare or Medicaid, but if the formula remains the same for the pay out, the problem continues.”

Shedd also said impoverished areas continue to suffer from the need for broadband expansion across the state. Without reliable internet service, the chance for jobs and improved education diminishes.

“We’ve seen hope coming from Washington on some of these issues, which is good to see, but we also need to work on how to make state and federal resources come together for the sake of solving some of these problems,” he said.

When the Legislature goes into session March 5, Shedd said he expects the state’s pressing infrastructure issue to be high on the agenda. Leaders from across the state have been sounding the alarm that road improvements, bridges and other issues related to transportation will soon slow economic growth if not addressed. The state’s economy has generally enjoyed a prosperous run, led by tremendous expansions in the automobile industry.

“I think with infrastructure we are going to have to look at it as broad legislation,” Shedd said. “We saw some wide-reaching efforts in the Farm Bill from Congress last week that a lot of people are pleased with, because it reaches into area of concern like health care and broadband.”

Shedd said Cullman County gained a big jump in the infrastructure area with the approval of a federal grant for $14 million toward completing the four-laning of Alabama 157.

“The city got creative in looking for the money and there was unified support locally for this,” Shedd said. “We also had support from Gov. (Kay) Ivey and highway director John Cooper, as well our congressional delegation,” Shedd said. “We’ve all worked a long time to try to make this happen. We need to turn attention now to finishing U.S. 278.”

Fellow lawmaker Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, also landed the co-chair seat on the Technology and Research, which Shedd said will be a valuable seat as legislators delve deeper into expanding opportunities and the economy.

“I think our delegation will be well represented on the committees and we will work well as a group for our communities,” Shedd said.

In the other chamber, freshman Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, will serve as co-chair of the Economic Development and Fiscal Responsibility Committee. He was also appointed to the Tourism, Agriculture & Forestry, Education Trust Fund and other committees.

“I’m excited as a freshman senator to have these opportunities. These are areas that fit with my background, but they are also important to people across the state. I know I will work hard and I look forward to all that we can accomplish as a delegation,” Gudger said. “I know, too, infrastructure is a huge issue for our state, but the feeling we’re seeing is that everyone is looking forward to getting to work.”