Ala. Code § 34-22-65: Localities in Need of Optometrists.

(a) Any incorporated or unincorporated municipality or locality in the state having a population of less than 100,000 desiring additional optometrists and wishing to be designated as a locality needing additional optometrists, may apply to the Board of Optometric Scholarship and Loan Awards to be placed on a list of localities in need of additional optometrists, which list shall be maintained by the board.

(b) An application may be made either by the municipal governing body or by a petition signed by at least one-twentieth of the qualified electors of the municipality or locality.

(c) If the board determines that a locality is in need of optometrists, it shall place the locality on the list of localities in need of optometrists from which recipients of loans may work to repay the loans with service approved by the board under Section 34-22-63(b).