It’s easy to get excited about the possibility that a new Ford distribution center will be located nearby in Albert Lea, and the prospect is another hint that the city and surrounding area may come out of the Farmland fire better off than before.

The site being considered is one that had been reserved for Farmland's new plant, an outcome that seems less and less likely with each passing week. Coupled with recent news that the city is on the verge of taking possession of Farmland’s old site and finally getting the damaged plant demolished, news of serious interest in the city's ready-to-develop land suggests that good things are to come.

Of course, there are still two other communities in the running (including nearby Stewartville), so it's too early to say anything for sure. But Ford's interest is an example of the kind of opportunity this area has.

There's probably many who commute from Albert Lea to Austin for work each day. Jobs are always a welcome sight to any area, both for the workers and the nearby communities. That's why the construction of such a plant would be good for both the Austin and Albert Lea communities.

However, even if one or both of these exciting developments don’t pan out, we can now see more clearly the potential that lies in both properties, and that may be inspiring enough to ensure a positive outcome.