After what seems like years, progress on the new Wal-Mart Supercenter planned for Albert Lea is another piece of good news for the city, and an affirmation that the area isn’t about to miss out on the opportunity, as some have feared.

City officials all along have been optimistic that Wal-Mart was planning to build in Albert Lea. They make too much money in this market for them to pass over the chance, and although their existing store isn’t that old, it’s not built to last.

Now, it appears the city and Wal-Mart are going forward with a development agreement for the site, located in the triangle formed by Co. Rd. 46, I-35 and East Main Street. It’s a clear signal that the project is ready to move forward.

Having a larger Wal-Mart, and one that’s located closer to the interstate, will help Albert Lea because much of its pull will be from the freeway, so new people will be coming in, and its location provides the kind of visibility from the interstate the city has lacked.

For those reasons, it’s good to see the rust being shaken off the wheels of this particular development.