An amendment to the Alabama Constitution is getting support from the Covington County Commission following Monday's regular meeting.

Amendment 3, an amendment that provides for individual counties to develop economic development strategies and plans, received the full support of the commission.

According to Commission Chairman Greg White, Covington County already has the legal right to conduct some economic development activities -- through an act of the legislature some years ago -- but the amendment would free additional counties of seeking additional legislation on issues it doesn't have the freedom to do.

"We're simply voicing our support of the amendment," White said. "I don't think it enhances our abilities much, because we have the local legislation already in place that allows us to develop economic incentives. But, we also feel it is important (the amendment) because it allows every county

in the state to further economic development … it puts all the counties on a level playing field, so to speak." (A copy of Amendment 3 was published in Tuesday's classified section of the Star-News.)

White went on to say the amendment essentially removes the legislature from the economic development picture for counties.

"It lets the counties develop economic development incentive packages without the legislature having to get involved," he said. "As it stands now, if you have a particular situation that required something out of the ordinary to secure jobs, it would require an act of the legislature. This, I think, makes it more fair."