The announcement by Troy officials of moves toward acquiring a new industrial park for the city makes sense.

The original industrial park is nearly at capacity, with only 39 acres available, and it's only a matter of time until that's gone.

Without a solid plan in place for additional industrial park land, Troy would be out of the hunt for new industry.

Pike County Economic Development Corporration President Marsha Gaylard told this newspaper that some prospects will consider only industrial park property. That means an industrial park is almost a necessity in the quest to land new industries.

It's a smart move for the city in other ways, as well. Not only will a new industrial park allow Troy to remain competitive with other cities, but locating companies there will help fund local recruitment incentives through Troy Utilities' ability to provide power to the park. That gives Troy enough leverage to negotiate competitive offers for prospective industries while protecting the city's bottom line.

We commend city leaders for their progressive steps to plan for a brighter future for Troy and Pike County.