Editorial: Runway extension makes good sense for city

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 17, 2004

If all environmental issues are addressed and the standards exceeded, the council should not hesitate to complete the extension of the runway at the airport.

The city will get back money spent on the environment and the runway extension as Twin Cities residents look for safe, quiet, beautiful communities to raise their families and more businesses take advantage of the JOBZ incentives. But they will expect amenities, such as an airport among others, that will meet their business needs.

Poised an easy hour from the metro area, moving a business or a family to Albert Lea isn’t too farfetched. The city already has so many natural amenities to entice both groups to relocate, now is the time to make improvements to the airport not when people start looking for a community away from the bustle of Minneapolis-St. Paul. It will be too late then.

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Make the improvements now, so when people start seeking a haven they will have no doubts that Albert Lea would be the perfect community to live, raise their families or conduct business.

Money spent now on smart economic development ideas will enrich the city tenfold in the future through new jobs, higher property values, thriving businesses, a variety of retailers and full schools.

Being prepared for the inevitable is just sound business strategy.