It’s been years since the federal government turned the old Brecon Annex military complex over to local authorities for them to develop.

The rules were simple — the military base must be used for public recreation, period.

The Talladega County Commission was charged with the mission of developing the land, but after a few abortive attempts to do something with it, nothing happened for years.

During that time, several organizations tried to get their hands on the land to use it for everything from an industrial park to an outdoor classroom, none of which met the federal government’s rules for recreational use.

The Cheaha Trail Riders stepped up with a plan to develop the Brecon Annex for a wide range of outdoor activities — off-road vehicle trails, camping, shooting and archery ranges, and more.

Still, nothing was done.

So the government took the land and gave it to the City of Lincoln, which had come forward with a plan very similar to what the Trail Riders had put on the table.

But the County Commission, even under threat of court intervention, refused to turn over the deed. Then the Legislature got into the mix and tried to trump both the Commission and Lincoln and appoint a board to oversee the land use.

Even then, Washington sent a letter saying, in essence, the board could govern the land, so long as it more or less followed the plans outlined by Lincoln.

And, at long last, the board took action Tuesday morning, implementing a plan that is pretty much in line with what had originally been proposed by Lincoln and the Trail Riders.

And it’s about time. The development on the table will not only provide a huge recreational area for residents in Talladega County, it has the potential to be a real economic boon to the region, attracting people from all over the state and South East. The off-road vehicle trails alone are already bringing people here – which also means more customers for businesses that cater to ATVs, motorcycles and other outdoor activities.

It can make Talladega more of a destination point for people, bringing in more money and more tax revenues to the area.

The board worked with the Trail Riders and other local residents and groups to help in formulating a plan of action.

That’s an encouraging move. The future of the Brecon Annex has the potential to affect everyone in the area, and we hope the board members continue to work with the local community as it finally moves forward with developing the property.