The economic recession we’ve experienced for the past three years has been underscored repeatedly by high unemployment, escalating fuel and food prices and out-of-control federal spending. Seldom have we seen or heard what can be described as good news.

That changed on the local level earlier this week when the Morgan County Economic Development Association opened bids for the construction of infrastructure at the new Morgan Business Park in Hartselle. This is another key step in a unique, cooperative effort to grow more and better jobs for Morgan Countians.

Who would’ve thought 10 years ago that the county would be on the brink of opening another “Mallard-Fox Industrial Park”—this time on I-65 near the center of the county?

It should be noted that the planning process has been long and arduous and would not have progressed to this point without the solid support of the county’s political leadership.

Obviously, the city of Hartselle stands to reap a lion’s share of the benefits because the park is located within the city limits. However, It will not just be Hartselle residents who are employed in the businesses that locate there; their workers will come from Falkville, Priceville, Eva, Somerville and Decatur as well.

While land and infrastructure come at a high price, creativity, initiative and investment are necessary ingredients for economic development success. Hopefully, we’ll be celebrating the opening of Morgan Business Park’s first occupant by this time next year.