City progress on a bond issue in support of a new industrialpark represents a positive step forward for local economicdevelopment.

After receiving no objections to the bond issue proposal,aldermen voted last week to retain an attorney to assist officialswhen they are ready to move forward.

In choosing to use some accumulated economic development moneyat their disposal, aldermen are taking a taxpayer-friendly coursein pursuing a $1.8 million bond issue. City and county officialswere originally asked to consider $2.2 million bond issues to goalong with about $500,000 in privately-raised chamber of commercefunds.

Lincoln County supervisors also have expressed their commitmentto the industrial park, but are mulling some particular aspects ofthe project. Therefore, the county is not quite as far along in thebond issue process as the city.

Having space for industrial prospects remains the top priorityfor economic development. Government action toward obtaining anddeveloping that space is good sign for the community’s economicfuture.