As part of his first executive order, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has directed all state agencies to find ways to improve how they serve rural Tennessee regions.

Lee announced this morning his administration is placing strong emphasis on the development and success of rural areas.

All 22 executive departments must submit a statement by May 31 explaining how they serve rural Tennesseans, then to submit recommendations by June 30 for improving that service.

Van Buren, Bledsoe, Fentress and Morgan are among 15 counties in Tennessee identified as “distressed.”

Distressed counties are defined as being among the most economically distressed in the nation.

The 15 distressed Tennessee counties are Lake, Lauderdale, Hardeman, McNairy, Perry, Jackson, Clay, Grundy, Van Buren, Bledsoe, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, Hancock and Cocke.