It is entirely appropriate for the Pell City Council to approve a developmental agreement that will ensure the rapid construction of a proposed $50 million Veterans Home.

Clyde Marsh, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, announced earlier this year that the state was committed to construction of the new home in Pell City, but that funding would not be available until 2011. Now, he and others are hopeful the money might be ready sooner, and if it is, the project should be “shovel ready,” that is ready to begin actual construction.

Pell City’s role is to provide necessary infrastructure, namely water and sewer. The home is proposed for a 27-acre site near Jefferson State Community College.

Economically, this investment should pay for itself many times over. The new veteran’s home will provide about 300 jobs once it is done. Some estimates say another 192 jobs could be indirectly created by this project. There will be an estimated annual payroll of $300 million from this project, officials say. Providing water and sewer connections in return for that many jobs and that much payroll is a good deal, and Pell City should make its commitment now to be sure that that when the money is available, there will be no obstacles to overcome.

But there is more than money involved here. This new veterans’ home will offer needed services to those who have served our country in the military. They deserve more than we can ever repay, but a cutting-edge facility, as this is supposed to be, will allow veterans be cared for in a manner befitting their service.

Those who have served our country deserve the highest level of care. This facility will provide that, and it will be an economic boon for Pell City and St. Clair County.