Tribune staff editorial

At first glance, it may appear Farmland’s announcement Wednesday that it plans to rebuild in Albert Lea doesn’t seem like much of an earth-shaking development.

Thursday, April 04, 2002

At first glance, it may appear Farmland’s announcement Wednesday that it plans to rebuild in Albert Lea doesn’t seem like much of an earth-shaking development. After all, the company still attached a couple of strings – it must get the insurance settlement it wants and it must get the economic incentives it says it needs.

However, the announcement represents an important change in the atmosphere surrounding the Farmland situation. Instead of wondering whether the company would rebuild at all, or wondering whether the incentives offered would be enough, now it’s clear: Farmland has accepted the city’s offer and wishes to rebuild here. It’s now official: The only things holding it up are an insurance settlement and the finalization of a handful of measures in the legislature designed to make Farmland’s rebuilding effort easier, including a tax-increment financing district and a sales-tax exemption for construction materials.

Some had their suspicions that Farmland had made up its mind, and city leaders say they had an understanding to that effect with Farmland for a while. But this is the first time the company has gone on the record saying it wants to have a future in Albert Lea. That’s good news for the city and for employees who have been waiting for word on the matter, and it’s a load off the minds of workers and concerned residents.

And while there is a chance the plant still will not be built, to have confirmation from the company that it looks on Albert Lea as part of its future plans is an encouraging sign. Having that question answered – and many were still asking it, despite the progress made over the last few months – is the first step toward getting Farmland rolling again in Albert Lea, and hopefully getting the local economy rolling right along with it.